A brewing controversy threatens industrial harmony at Federal University Wukari (FUW). The institution faces allegations of political interference in its Vice-Chancellor appointment process.
A civil society group has petitioned federal authorities. They claim Governor Agbu Kefas is manipulating the selection to favor his brother.
Petition Alleges Gubernatorial Influence
The Concerned Persons with Education Interest submitted their complaint to the Federal Ministry of Education. Comrade Bulus Zakari, the group’s National Coordinator, signed the petition.
The document accuses Governor Kefas of scheming for his brother’s appointment. Dr. Benjamin Kefas allegedly lacks the required qualifications. According to the petitioners, he has not attained professorial rank within any university system.
“Recent events surrounding the ongoing selection process have raised serious concerns among stakeholders, as there are growing fears that external political influence, particularly from the State Governor, Agbu Kefas, may be affecting the integrity of the process, as allegations are rife that efforts are being made to influence the selection in favour of his brother, Dr Benjamin Ate Kefas,” Zakari alleged.
The petition scrutinizes Dr. Kefas’ academic background. He holds degrees in pharmacy from reputable institutions. These include a BPharm, MSc, and PhD from Ahmadu Bello University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Dr. Kefas currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Neuro-oncology at the University of Virginia. His expertise lies in scientific research, curriculum development, and project management. However, the group questions whether this meets Nigerian university requirements.
Qualification Requirements Under Scrutiny
Nigerian federal universities follow strict appointment criteria. The Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1993 sets clear standards. Vice-Chancellors must hold professorial rank with at least 10 years of experience.
Additionally, candidates need proven integrity and high administrative ability.
“Our concern is not directed at any individual on personal grounds, but rather at ensuring that the appointment process remains transparent, competitive, merit-based, and compliant with the statutory requirements guiding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in federal universities,” the petitioners stated.
“The Vice-Chancellor position requires the attainment of the rank of professor with at least 10 years of experience, proven integrity, and high administrative ability, among other qualifications clearly specified in university regulations and guidelines issued by the Federal Government,” they said.
The group highlighted specific deficiencies in Dr. Kefas’ profile. While he serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, he hasn’t held full professorship. Furthermore, records don’t show experience in university administrative leadership roles.
The petitioners also expressed alarm about the screening process. Initially, approximately 40 candidates applied for the position. However, only four candidates remained after evaluation.
Three reportedly hail from Taraba State, with one from neighboring Adamawa State. This geographical concentration sparked fairness concerns. The group believes this pattern suggests external manipulation.
Demands for Federal Investigation
The petition contains specific recommendations for the Federal Ministry of Education. First, the group wants an independent review of the selection process. Second, they request verification of all shortlisted candidates’ qualifications.
“We therefore respectfully urge the Federal Ministry of Education, as the supervisory authority over federal universities, to intervene promptly and ensure that the ongoing appointment process adheres strictly to the University (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1993, and its amendments, also known as the Universities Autonomy Act,” the petition read.
The ministry should ensure no external political influence compromises university autonomy. The petitioners also want transparent communication with stakeholders. Staff, students, and the wider community deserve reassurance.
“Specifically, we request the Ministry to conduct an independent review of the selection and screening process to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with statutory requirements; verify that all shortlisted candidates meet the academic and administrative qualifications prescribed for the office of Vice-Chancellor; ensure that no external political influence compromises the autonomy of the university governing council or the integrity of the appointment process; reassure staff, students, and stakeholders through transparent communication that merit and due process will determine the final selection; and take necessary corrective measures should any procedural irregularities or undue influence be established,” the petition read.
Federal University Wukari was established in 2011. The institution has maintained relative industrial harmony since inception. However, this controversy could disrupt that peace.
The Universities Autonomy Act guarantees universities freedom from external control in academic matters. Political interference undermines merit-based selection processes. It also damages institutional reputation and stakeholder confidence.
The Federal Ministry of Education now faces a critical decision. Meanwhile, the university community awaits clarity. The outcome will set important precedents about whether political interference will be tolerated.
The petitioners have made their position clear. They want merit-based, transparent selection. They oppose political manipulation of academic appointments. Now federal authorities must respond decisively to these concerns.