The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto chapter, has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency reconstitute Governing Council for the institution.
The union said the dissolution of all governing council by the Federal Government was a violation of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act by the government.
A statement by the Chairman of the chapter, Prof. Mohammed Almustapha, and made available to newsmen in the state on Friday, read, “The Nigerian Government’s recent actions on Nigerian universities are denounced by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). These acts include:
“The arbitrary dissolution of all Federal University Governing councils in June, 2023 by the National Universities Commission following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, undermines the established procedures and autonomy of these institutions.
The statement further asserted that the Federal Government’s actions undermined the principles of transparency, equity, and merit-based selection of university principal officers.
“Moreover, the recent advertisement for the Vice Chancellorship and other principal Officers at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, as authorised by the Minister of Education on behalf of Council, flagrantly violates university statutes concerning the appointment process of a new Vice Chancellor, casting doubt on the integrity, fairness, and legality of these proceedings.
“ASUU-UDUS urgently calls upon the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Minister of Education, and other critical stakeholders to as, a matter of urgency and necessity: Reconstitute the Governing Councils of public universities: This step is crucial for universities to operate legally and smoothly, aligning with the provisions of the law.
“Uphold the autonomy and independence of universities by adhering to established procedures and safeguarding their integrity.
“Investigate all manners of violations of the Law in the recent actions taken by various universities in the absence of the University Governing Councils,” the statement read.
ASUU-UDUS urged all stakeholders to join hands in protecting the autonomy and integrity of public universities for the betterment of our educational system and the future of our nation.
Punch
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