Fresh Controversy Trails Isa Pantami’s Professorial Appointment Ahead of 2027 Election

Fresh concerns have emerged over the academic history of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, following renewed criticism of the circumstances surrounding his appointment to the rank of professor.

The concerns were raised by a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Gombe State Council, Danjuma Kala, who argued that the controversy surrounding Pantami’s professorial appointment raises broader questions about institutional integrity, transparency and adherence to established academic procedures.

Kala, in a piece focused on Pantami’s suitability for the 2027 Gombe State governorship race, maintained that the academic and professional records of individuals seeking public office should be subjected to public scrutiny.

According to him, the major issue was not whether the institution responsible for the appointment had the authority to confer the professorial rank, but whether established procedures and academic standards were adequately followed in the process.

The former NUJ official referred to concerns previously raised by the Academic Staff Union of Universities regarding Pantami’s appointment, noting, however, that ASUU does not possess the statutory authority to appoint or remove professors.

He stated that the power to make professorial appointments rests with university governing councils and noted that the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, was responsible for Pantami’s appointment.

Kala argued that concerns raised over the appointment process should nevertheless be examined in the context of institutional standards and public accountability. He also acknowledged that the appointment remained valid, as the university’s governing council had not formally revoked it.

Among the issues raised were allegations concerning the duration of Pantami’s post-doctoral teaching experience and his progression through conventional academic ranks before attaining the professorial position.

Kala also questioned the reported speed with which the appointment process was concluded, arguing that the matter raised questions about whether all relevant stages of academic assessment received sufficient scrutiny.

The controversy has now attracted renewed public attention because of Pantami’s involvement in the 2027 Gombe State governorship race.

Pantami emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate, although his emergence has also been the subject of separate pre-election legal challenges before the Federal High Court in Gombe.

Kala maintained that voters should consider the professional and institutional records of political candidates alongside their campaign promises, particularly when assessing their likely approach to governance.

He argued that leadership requires a commitment to transparency, accountability and established institutional processes, especially for individuals seeking positions that involve the management of public resources and institutions.

The renewed debate highlights a broader conversation within Nigeria’s higher education sector about academic appointments, institutional autonomy and the importance of maintaining transparent procedures in the promotion and appointment of senior academics.

For Pantami, whose academic and political careers have increasingly attracted national attention, the controversy adds another layer to discussions surrounding his public record as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the central issue raised by the latest criticism remains the need for public institutions to maintain clear, transparent and credible processes capable of strengthening confidence in both academic standards and public leadership.