Kano Lecturers Demand Removal of ABU Vice Chancellor from Governing Council, Oppose New VC Appointment

Lecturers at Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano, have demanded the removal of ABU Vice Chancellor Professor Ahmad Adamu from their Governing Council over conflict of interest and alleged procedural violations in appointing a new Vice Chancellor.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano (YUMSFUEK) branch, is calling for the immediate removal of Professor Ahmad Adamu from his position as Chairman of the university’s Governing Council.

In a strongly-worded petition, the union criticized Professor Adamu—who also serves as the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria—for holding both positions simultaneously, which they describe as a clear conflict of interest that is impeding progress at YUMSFUEK.

ASUU also rejected alleged plans by the Council to appoint a new Vice Chancellor without following due process. The petition opposes the attempt to reposition Dr. Sadi Mohammed Sirajo, whose term as Acting Vice Chancellor expired four months ago, into the role of Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor.

The petition, jointly signed by ASUU branch Chairman Dr. Bashir Ibrahim and five other executive members, was sent to the Minister of Education, Dr. Marauf Tunji Alausa, and shared with the media on Sunday.

Allegations of Governance Failure

According to ASUU, the Governing Council has violated statutory provisions outlined in the University Act by excluding critical stakeholders from decision-making. The union claims that the council, as currently constituted, is illegitimate and improperly formed, lacking representatives from the University Senate, Congregation, and Convocation.

“The entire process was a charade orchestrated by a compromised Governing Council that deliberately excluded critical stakeholders, violated statutory provisions, and acted in bad faith to impose a predetermined candidate,” the petition reads.

ASUU argues that such exclusions violate the Federal Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (as amended), which mandates inclusive governance involving key university bodies.

Call for Chairman’s Dismissal

The union strongly condemned Professor Adamu’s dual role, saying it compromises his ability to act in YUMSFUEK’s best interests:

“His dual role constitutes a glaring conflict of interest. His primary loyalty lies with ABU, not YUMSFUEK. Under his leadership, the Council has been marked by secrecy, bias, and a blatant disregard for due process,” the lecturers stated.

They further alleged that the Council, under Adamu’s leadership, has fostered division, sidelined dissenting voices, and attempted to impose a favored candidate as Vice Chancellor.

Criticism of Acting VC Dr. Sirajo

ASUU also accused Dr. Sirajo of exceeding his legal tenure, misleading the Council, and obstructing institutional advancement. According to the union, his continued presence in office threatens transparency and fair leadership, and some staff members have been victimized for opposing his reappointment.

Demands and Recommendations

The lecturers issued the following demands:

• Immediate removal of Professor Ahmad Adamu as Council Chairman.
• Reconstitution of the Governing Council to include statutory representatives from the Senate, Congregation, Convocation, host community, and alumni.
• A thorough investigation into the university’s administrative processes, with sanctions for those found culpable.
• Restoration of all pending promotions, withheld allowances, and entitlements.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GUARDIAN