The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano (YUMSFUEK) is urging the Federal Government to immediately remove the Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Professor Ahmad Adamu, citing what it describes as a conflict of interest and procedural breaches that are hindering the institution's development.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Marauf Tunji Alausa, and signed by ASUU-YUMSFUEK Chairman Dr. Bashir Ibrahim alongside five others, the union accuses the Council of undermining statutory university governance and attempting to impose leadership without due process.
Concerns Over Dual Leadership Role
Central to ASUU’s concern is Professor Ahmad Adamu’s simultaneous role as Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and Chairman of the YUMSFUEK Governing Council. ASUU argues this dual role represents a fundamental conflict of interest, potentially compromising YUMSFUEK’s autonomy and operational focus.
“His primary loyalty remains with ABU,” the union stated. “This has created a climate of secrecy and bias, stalling the university’s transition and eroding trust among stakeholders.”
Alleged Irregularities in VC Appointment Process
ASUU also expressed strong opposition to ongoing efforts by the Council to appoint a new Vice Chancellor without including statutory bodies like the Senate, Congregation, and Convocation, as required by the Federal Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
The union claims the Governing Council is currently incomplete and therefore illegitimate. “The process lacks transparency and legitimacy,” the petition noted. “Critical voices have been sidelined, and a predetermined candidate is being positioned for appointment in breach of federal statutes.”
Petition Against Acting VC and Council Composition
In addition to calling for the removal of the Governing Council Chairman, ASUU criticized Dr. Sadi Mohammed Sirajo, the outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor, for allegedly overstaying his tenure and obstructing institutional progress. The union accuses him of manipulating council decisions and attempting to marginalize dissenting staff.
ASUU demanded the reconstitution of the Governing Council, incorporating all statutory representatives, including those from the host community and alumni body, to ensure balanced governance.
Demands for Federal Intervention
The petition concludes with a series of urgent requests directed at the Federal Government:
- Immediate dismissal of Professor Ahmad Adamu from the Council chairmanship.
- Full investigation into the alleged procedural violations and irregularities.
- Reinstatement of all due promotions, allowances, and entitlements currently withheld from staff.
ASUU maintains that addressing these issues is critical not only to safeguarding due process but also to ensuring the long-term stability and credibility of YUMSFUEK as it navigates its transition toward full university status.
While the Ministry of Education has yet to respond publicly, the petition adds to the growing debate around university governance and the influence of external leadership roles in Nigerian higher education institutions.