The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has directed a suspension of the appointment process for a new vice-chancellor at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) until an ongoing investigation into the institution’s leadership crisis is resolved.
The committee chairman, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa), announced the decision in a statement on Friday following a roundtable discussion with the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patricia Lar.
Fulata called for dialogue among stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted academic activities at the university.
“We urge all parties to halt any steps toward appointing a new vice-chancellor until the leadership disputes are settled,” he stated.
“Our committee is firmly opposed to actions that disrupt the university’s academic calendar.”
Fulata revealed that the committee’s intervention stemmed from petitions regarding the dismissal of some vice-chancellors and the dissolution of governing councils.
He noted that investigations were underway to verify whether due process was followed.
Additionally, the committee is addressing the revocation of 11,000 hectares of university land by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, prompted by a petition from the University of Abuja Alumni Association.
“The alumni raised concerns that the FCT minister’s decision leaves the university with only 4,000 hectares of its original land allocation,” Fulata explained,adding that “We are actively working to resolve the issue and restore the university’s property.”
Prof. Lar, the acting vice-chancellor, stated that with less than a month remaining in her six-month interim tenure, she is focused on stabilizing the institution ahead of the appointment of a permanent vice-chancellor. (NAN)
