FUDMA Vice Chancellor Crisis: Stakeholders Raise Alarm Over Alleged Irregularities.
The ongoing leadership FUDMA Vice Chancellor Crisis at the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, has taken a dramatic turn,
as concerned stakeholders continue to challenge the credibility of the Vice Chancellor selection process.
What began as a routine administrative exercise has now evolved into a serious controversy marked by allegations of guideline violations,
lack of transparency, and fears of favoritism.
As tension builds within the institution and across academic communities,
Nigerians are beginning to question the integrity of leadership transitions in public universities.
Background: FUDMA’s Rocky History with Leadership Appointments
Established in 2010 under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan,
FUDMA was envisioned as a beacon of academic excellence in northern Nigeria.
However, since its inception, the university has faced recurrent administrative turbulence particularly in the appointment of Vice Chancellors.
Over the past decade, controversies around the selection of VCs have consistently marred the institution’s image.
Inconsistent interpretation of appointment guidelines, perceived political interference,
and unresolved internal rifts have created a toxic cycle that resurfaces with every change in leadership.
Latest Development: Letter to the Minister Exposes Alleged Violations
The latest wave of controversy was sparked by Prof. Rasheed Hamzat, an aspirant for the position of Vice Chancellor.
In a detailed three-page petition sent to the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu,
Hamzat alleged that the selection committee had blatantly flouted established guidelines in its shortlisting process.
According to the petition, the committee disregarded a key requirement:
that candidates must have a minimum of ten years of professorial experience and must not exceed the age of 64 at the time of assumption of duty.
Instead, the committee allegedly shortlisted candidates who either lacked the required experience or surpassed the age limit.
“Some of the shortlisted candidates had less than three years as professors,” Hamzat stated in his letter.
“This is a clear violation of the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Federal Ministry of Education directives.”
Profiles of the Top Candidates: A Closer Look
Here’s a summary of some of the top contenders and why their qualifications have raised eyebrows:
Prof. A.A. Yaro – With just over two years as a professor and no significant administrative track record,
critics argue his inclusion directly contradicts the requirement of ten years professorial experience.
Prof. R.J. Musa – A well-respected researcher, Musa is reportedly 66 years old, thereby making him ineligible based on the age cap.
Prof. R. Hamzat – The whistleblower himself boasts over 12 years of professorial experience
and has served as Dean and Acting Vice Chancellor in other institutions.
Therefore, he is considered eligible by most accounts.
Prof. Zainab Usman – The only female contender, Usman has seven years as a professor and is 61 years old.
Some argue that experience should weigh more than a strict year count.
Stakeholder Reactions: Inside Voices and Public Outcry
The FUDMA Vice Chancellor Crisis has triggered a wave of concern among academic unions, students, and civil society groups.
Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at FUDMA have issued a statement demanding a comprehensive review of the selection process.
One ASUU official who spoke anonymously said, “We cannot sit back while due process is ignored. The credibility of our university is at stake.”
Moreover, students have voiced their frustration. “This is our future on the line,” said Aisha Ibrahim, a 400-level student of Political Science.
“How can we trust a leadership system that does not follow its own rules?”
On social media, hashtags like #FUDMAVCCrisis and #SaveOurVarsity are trending, clearly reflecting a growing nationwide concern.
Legal Framework and Policy Concerns
Under the NUC guidelines and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act,
the appointment of a Vice Chancellor must adhere to a transparent and merit-based process.
This includes:
A minimum of ten years as a professor
Not more than 64 years of age at time of assumption
Selection by a committee composed of fair representation
Prof. Hamzat’s petition argues that the composition of the current selection committee violates these rules.
Furthermore, he points out that certain members have close ties with some of the candidates, thereby compromising the integrity of the process.
Legal experts warn that if the process proceeds without correction,
affected candidates could pursue litigation potentially halting academic activities and damaging the university’s reputation further.
The Bigger Picture: Crisis of Leadership in Nigerian Universities
FUDMA is not alone in facing such administrative troubles.
Across Nigeria, several public universities have experienced similar tussles.
From UniAbuja to LASU, the appointment of Vice Chancellors has become a hotbed of conflict,
often stalling progress and weakening public confidence in the educational system.
Analysts say these recurring crises stem from a lack of oversight, political interference, and vague regulatory enforcement.
Consequently, institutions that should be centers of excellence become battlegrounds for influence and power.
The Way Forward: Reforming the VC Appointment Process
Many stakeholders are now calling for a reform of the appointment process. Suggested solutions include:
Independent Monitoring Committees to oversee selection transparency.
Strict enforcement of NUC guidelines with punitive measures for violations.
Public disclosure of shortlisted candidates’ profiles and credentials.
Digitizing the nomination and selection process to minimize manipulation.
If implemented, these steps could significantly restore confidence in Nigeria’s university system and protect the integrity of academic leadership.
Conclusion: Time for Action
The FUDMA Vice Chancellor Crisis is more than an internal university squabble
it is a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s educational leadership.
If ignored, such issues could further erode the values of merit and integrity upon which the academic world stands.
Now is the time for all stakeholders from the Ministry of Education to ASUU and student bodies to collectively demand transparency, fairness,
and accountability in the appointment of university leaders.
Indeed, the future of Nigeria’s tertiary education depends on it.
Stay informed with NIGPOST as we continue to follow this developing story.
Share your thoughts in the comments,
and let us know what reforms you believe are necessary in Nigeria’s university leadership.
Author: Admin Reporter
Date: May 20, 2025
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