Administrative congestion deprives our universities of autonomy - ABU Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed, has expressed concern over the gradual encroachment into the institutional autonomy of the Nigerian universities. 

According to him, it is the same concern that has been consistently and legitimately raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). 

Speaking at the 45th Convocation Ceremony of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria on Saturday, 31st January, 2026, he said the constraint remained one of the enduring challenges confronting Nigerian universities. 

The Vice-Chancellor attributed the autonomy challenge to the proliferation of overlapping oversight, regulatory, and approval requirements by multiple government agencies. 

This, according to the Vice-Chancellor, has increasingly constrained the ability of universities to take timely decisions, innovate, and respond effectively to academic and societal needs. 

"Such administrative congestion deprives universities of the autonomy and flexibility required to efficiently deliver their mandates in teaching, research, and community service", he said. 

On the numerous challenges confronting Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Ahmed fingered water supply as one of such critical challenges. 

He said nearly 60 percent of ABU campus lacks sustainable access to water, adversely affecting hygiene, sanitation, and overall quality of life for staff and students. 

He also said the university old water treatment plant has the capacity of serving only about 20,000 people, far below the originally planned phase III capacity of 70,000, required to adequately serve the university community. 

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the condition of the university internal road infrastructure also posed a major challenge. 

"Of the approximately 60 kilometers of roads within the campus, less than 10 kilometers are in good condition", he also stated. 

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the cost of upgrading and maintaining this extensive road network places a heavy financial burden on the university. 

The Vice-Chancellor listed other challenges facing the institution that include campus security, housing, electricity, and healthcare. 

Prof Ahmed explained that the challenges are substantial but they are not insurmountable.

He expressed confidence in ABU ability to overcome the challenges and secure a more resilient and sustainable future for the university. 

This can be achieved with sustained reforms, government support, strategic partnerships, and the continued cooperation of staff, alumni, and friends of the university.