Yesterday’s resounding victory of candidates of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, – Professors Abdulmumin Rafindadi and Ahmed Bello, during the University’s Senate election of Selection Board Members is expected to be a huge game changer in the permutations for the selection of the next Vice-chancellor of the University, especially if the two distinguished scholars maintain their known patriotic principles of – ‘ABU First’.
The emergence of Professor Rafindadi and Professor Bello to serve on the 5-man selection board is a step in the right direction, as it is hoped that as scholars of principles and integrity, the selection process will be conducted in a transparent and fair manner. This is coming at a time when allegations of succession manipulation against the outgoing Vice-Chancellor is raising concerns about the integrity of the university’s succession process.
As the Governing Council grapples with this challenge, it is therefore imperative that the council sends the outgoing VC on terminal leave.
In 2020, the then late Adamu Fika-led Governing Council instructed Professor Ibrahim Garba, the predecessor of Professor Kabiru Bala, to proceed on terminal leave to prevent him from interfering with the selection process of his successor. Although it was widely rumoured then that the council’s decision was taken to favour the current Vice-Chancellor, the fact remains that the decision was taken to prevent interference with the succession process. Additionally, if the immediate past council’s decision for asking Professor Garba to proceed on terminal leave is in line with the university acts and statutes, then it is only logical that the same principle should be applied to the outgoing Vice-chancellor to prevent any interference with the selection process of his successor.
If the council deemed it necessary to send the former VC on terminal leave to prevent interference, it is only logical that the same principle should apply in the current situation. This decision will prevent the outgoing VC from interfering with the succession process and allow for a smooth transition.
The demand for the outgoing VC to proceed on terminal leave is not only justified but also necessary to protect the university’s interests. The Governing Council should take immediate action to address this situation and ensure that the succession process is transparent, fair, and free from manipulation.
Furthermore, the council’s decision to send the outgoing VC on terminal leave will demonstrate its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. It will also show that the council is willing to take bold steps to protect the university’s interests and maintain its integrity.
Ultimately, the university community looks forward to a seamless transition that will usher in a new era of growth, stability, and progress for the institution.