By Waziri Isa Adam

The arbitrary disqualification of 13 contenders, including Professor Muhammad Lawal Amin, from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Vice-Chancellor race has sparked outrage and concern among the academic community.

In a letter dated January 28, 2025, Professor Amin, a renowned professor of African Languages and Cultures at ABU, petitioned the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.

“I write to passionately appeal to the Chairman for a response to my application for the position of the ABU VC dated 1st December, 2024, received and duly acknowledged by the office of the Registrar and Secretary to Council of ABU on 11th December, 2024,” Prof Amin stated in his letter.

He further expressed concern over the lack of response to his application, despite meeting all the criteria outlined in the advertisement, including 10 years of professorship and a clean record.

“I have to date (Tuesday, 28th January 2025) not received any response even when some other applicants have been requested to submit their documents by Wednesday 29th January, 2025 and attend interview slated for Monday 3rd February, 2025,” Prof Amin noted.

Professor Muhammad Lawal Amin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The academic community is shocked and dismayed by the disqualification of 13 contenders, majority of whom are reputable and renowned scholars of Zaria extraction. This move has generated widespread concern and skepticism about the integrity of the selection process.

Furthermore, the clearance of applicants with manifested allegations of maladministration and corruption has added fuel to the fire, casting a dark shadow over the entire process.

As the interview for the Vice-Chancellor position is scheduled for February 4, 2025, the academic community demands transparency, fairness, and accountability in the selection process.

Professor Amin’s appeal for transparency and fairness resonates with the values of academic excellence and integrity. ABU, one of Nigeria’s premier universities, has a rich history of academic achievement and research excellence.

The university’s reputation is at stake, and it is imperative that the selection process is transparent, fair, and free from bias and favoritism. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust and confidence reposed in the university’s governing council.

However, one of the 10 top contenders that have been cleared to participate in the selection exercise, who preferred to be anonymous, has expressed confidence in the process.

He said, “As a muslim I know and believe that Allah has already decided and chosen who the new Vice-chancellor of ABU is, and nobody can change whoever the Almighty Allah has destined or crowned. I am also sure that the council which is headed by a man of integrity, accomplished and reputable elder statesman, will not allow his name to be rubbished by manipulating the process, just.to favour the less qualified”

He also expressed confidence in the credibility, sincerity and commitment of the selection board members, who are all men of integrity, to be fair in their action during the selection process.

The academic community awaits the outcome with bated breath, hoping that justice, fairness, and transparency will prevail

The 10 contenders cleared to appear before the Alhaji Yayale-led selection board are: Professor Sabitu, Professor Nasiru Shuaibu, Professor B. Y. Ibrahim, Professor Sahalu Junaidu, Professor Ahmed Doko, Professor MK Othman, Professor MB Othman, Professor Nasiru Sambo, Professor Idris Funtua, Professor S. Z. Abubakar, Professor Adamu Ahmad and Professor A. G. Suleiman of NOUN.

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