ASUU urges FG to reconstitute UDUS governing council

The Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto chapter, has called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, reconstitute the governing council for the institution.

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The union said the dissolution of all governing councils by the federal government is a violation of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act by the Nigerian Government.

This is contained in a statement signed by the chairman of the chapter, Professor Mohammed Al-Mustapha, and made available to newsmen in the state on Friday.

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“The Nigerian Government’s recent actions on Nigerian universities are denounced by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). These acts include:

 “The arbitrary dissolution of all Federal University Governing councils in June, 2023 by the National Universities Commission (NUC, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, undermines the established procedures and autonomy of these institutions.

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“The Government’s unauthorized advertising of vacancies for the offices of Vice Chancellors and other Principal Officers in federal universities also violates proper procedures and threatens the integrity and academic freedom of Nigeria’s public universities, which flagrantly violate Section 3, subsections 1 and 2 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended).

“The University Law distinctly delineates the composition, roles, and dissolution procedures of the University Governing Councils. It also prescribes the protocol in the event of Council’s absence, particularly regarding the appointment of principal officers. At no point does the law transfer the council’s functions to Minister or the Visitor,” the statement reads.

The statement further noted that the federal government’s actions undermine the principles of transparency, equity, and merit-based selection of university principal officers. 

“Moreover, the recent advertisement for the Vice Chancellorship and other principal officers at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, as authorised by the Minister of Education on behalf of Council, flagrantly violates university statutes concerning the appointment process of a new Vice Chancellor, casting doubt on the integrity, fairness, and legality of these proceedings.

“ASUU-UDUS urgently calls upon the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Minister of Education, and other critical stakeholders to as, a matter of urgency and necessity: Reconstitute the Governing Councils of public universities: This step is crucial for universities to operate legally and smoothly, aligning with the provisions of the law.

“Uphold the autonomy and independence of universities by adhering to established procedures and safeguarding their integrity.

“Investigate all manners of violations of the Law in the recent actions taken by various universities in the absence of the University Governing Councils,” the union added.

ASUU-UDUS urged all stakeholders to join hands in protecting the autonomy and integrity of public universities for the betterment of Nigeria’s educational system and the future of the country.