Federal University Gusau Sparks Controversy Over Nomination of Lecturer Indicted for Fraud

The Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Zamfara State, is under scrutiny for considering Aliyu Moyi, a lecturer previously indicted for academic fraud, for the prestigious position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics). This development has sparked outrage among stakeholders and university insiders, who fear it may tarnish the reputation of the young institution.

Four years ago, Mr. Moyi was implicated in a scandal involving the falsification of records and insubordination. He was found to have approved the graduation of a student, Ms. Agnes Livingstone, who did not meet the academic requirements. Despite a thorough investigation by the university’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), which recommended disciplinary action, Mr. Moyi faced no consequences for his actions.

The ACTU investigation revealed that Ms. Livingstone graduated without completing a compulsory course, MTH 400. She later admitted to the infraction, citing a lack of registration space as her reason for omitting the course. The report concluded that Mr. Moyi, then head of the Department of Mathematical Science, bypassed proper protocols and vetted her results despite the irregularities.

The ACTU described his actions as “falsification of records and insubordination,” recommending penalties including demotion, termination, or dismissal. However, these recommendations were ignored. Ms. Livingstone was eventually made to retake the course and graduate properly, but officials implicated in the misconduct were never sanctioned.

Despite this blemished record, Mr. Moyi is now among two candidates nominated for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics). Another lecturer, Sanusi Bello, has also been nominated for the role. Additionally, Bello Muhammad and Lawal Sa’ad have been shortlisted for the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration).

The nominations will be reviewed by the university’s governing council, led by Aminu Isa, during a meeting scheduled for Monday. Insiders worry that appointing Mr. Moyi could set a dangerous precedent, reinforcing a culture of impunity.

University insiders have expressed concerns that this move reflects poorly on FUGUS, particularly given its history of administrative scandals. The former Vice Chancellor, Professor Magaji Garba, who failed to act on Mr. Moyi’s misconduct, was himself jailed in 2022 for extortion by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Critics argue that appointing a lecturer with a history of infractions to a top leadership role undermines the university’s integrity and commitment to academic excellence.

Efforts to get a response from the university’s spokesperson, Linus Akor, have so far been unfruitful. Despite multiple inquiries, Mr. Akor has failed to provide information on whether any disciplinary action was ever taken against Mr. Moyi or others implicated in the scandal.

As the governing council deliberates on these critical appointments, observers are calling for transparency and accountability to safeguard the institution’s reputation and restore public trust.