Reps Urge Universities to Prevent Delays in Students' Research as ABU Lecturer Dies from Depression Over Prolonged PhD Programme

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has urged Nigerian universities to address and eliminate unnecessary delays in students' research work, emphasizing the need to prevent frustration among both undergraduate and postgraduate scholars.

Chairman of the committee, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, issued this call following distressing reports about a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, who allegedly succumbed to depression stemming from his prolonged inability to complete a PhD program. The lecturer, Muazu Muhammed Ahmad, had been enrolled in the doctoral program since 2011 and remained unable to finish even after 13 years.

In response to the incident, Fulata visited ABU Zaria this week as part of an ongoing tour of federal universities, which has spanned the last three months. During the visit, he urged ABU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, to ensure that supervisors treat students fairly and avoid hindering their academic progress through undue harassment or intimidation.

Fulata also called on universities nationwide to prioritize timely graduations and ensure students complete their academic work without unnecessary hindrances. He underscored the importance of equitable treatment of students and adherence to the federal character principle in the recruitment of staff.

The chairman highlighted that several universities recently visited by the committee, including the Federal University of Health Sciences Azare in Bauchi State and the Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State, were advised to comply strictly with federal character guidelines in their hiring practices.

This development reflects the committee’s broader efforts to improve the academic environment and promote fairness in Nigeria’s higher education institutions.