ABU VC: ENSURING A CREDIBLE SELECTION PROCESS
Ensuring a credible selection process for Ahmadu Bello University’s (ABU) next Vice Chancellor is crucial, given the mistakes of past selections. The university’s integrity and public confidence in its leadership have been undermined by manipulations, impositions, and prioritization of self and group interests.
To right these wrongs, the University Congregation and Senate must select individuals of impeccable character to serve on the selection board. These board members should possess a deep understanding of ABU’s history, challenges, and opportunities, and value fairness, objectivity, and the institution’s best interests.
The search team should also approach its task with purpose and objectivity, seeking out exceptional individuals both within and outside the university. The criteria for leadership should be based on the ability to inspire, innovate, and deliver meaningful outcomes, rather than desperation or entitlement.
The next Vice Chancellor of ABU must embody academic excellence, financial acumen, and interpersonal dexterity. They should be a skilled resource mobilizer, effective communicator, and have a proven track record of managing people and resources.
In today’s climate of financial constraints and resource challenges, the incoming leader must be able to restore confidence and drive partnerships that will benefit the university. They must have the right temperament, networking skills, and a proven track record of managing people and resources effectively.
The search must be expansive, inclusive, and devoid of the limitations that have constrained the process in the past. ABU cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of recent selections seen across several universities in the country—processes characterized by favoritism, mediocrity, and short-sightedness.
The dignity of this great institution demands a process that is transparent, merit-based, and forward-looking. As this selection process unfolds, we express the hope that ABU will seize this opportunity to set a new standard—one that reflects its status as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning.
With deliberate and thoughtful choices, the university can emerge with a Vice Chancellor who is not only worthy of its name and history but also capable of propelling it into a future of excellence and innovation.
Let this be the moment when Ahmadu Bello University reclaims its legacy of exemplary leadership. The university’s stakeholders, including students, staff, alumni, and the wider community, must demand a selection process that is free from undue influences and focused on identifying the best candidate for the job.
Ultimately, the success of ABU’s next Vice Chancellor will depend on their ability to inspire and motivate the university community, build strategic partnerships, and drive innovation and excellence. We must get this selection right, not just for the sake of ABU, but for the future of Nigeria’s education system.
As we embark on this critical journey, we urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant, engaged, and committed to upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and meritocracy. Together, we can ensure that ABU’s next Vice Chancellor is a leader who embodies the highest standards of academic excellence, integrity, and visionary leadership.