The controversy surrounding the selection of a new Vice Chancellor at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, has taken a new turn as one of the aspirants has formally petitioned the Minister of Education, alleging irregularities and undue interference in the process.
The aspirant, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons, submitted a strongly worded letter to the Federal Ministry of Education, accusing the university’s Governing Council of bias and deviation from established guidelines in the ongoing VC selection process.
Sources close to the institution revealed that the petition cites “lack of transparency, favoritism, and procedural breaches” as key grounds for concern. The letter reportedly urges the Minister to intervene to uphold the integrity of the selection process and ensure that merit, not politics, prevails.
This latest development adds fuel to the already contentious succession race at UMYU, which has seen intense lobbying, campus protests, and public outcry from various stakeholders, including academic staff and students.
Attempts to reach the university’s Public Relations Officer for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. However, a senior official within the Ministry of Education, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed receipt of the petition and stated that “the Ministry is reviewing the allegations and will act accordingly in the interest of due process.”
The position of Vice Chancellor at UMYU became vacant earlier this year following the expiration of the tenure of the former VC, Prof. Sunusi Mamman. Since then, the selection of a successor has become a flashpoint, reflecting wider tensions within Nigeria’s higher education governance.
Observers warn that if left unresolved, the crisis could erode public confidence in university leadership and set a dangerous precedent for other institutions across the country.
source: hallmarknews.com
