An industrial crisis may be looming at the Federal University Wukari (FUW), Taraba State, following a petition to the Federal Ministry of Education by a group, Concerned Persons with Educational Interest.
The group alleged attempts by Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba to influence the appointment of his brother, Dr Benjamin Kefas, as the institution’s next Vice-Chancellor.
The petition, signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Bulus Zakari, accused the governor of scheming to secure the position for his brother despite what it described as a lack of the requisite qualifications and academic credentials for the office.
According to the petitioners, there is no record indicating that the governor’s brother has attained the rank of professor within the university system, a key requirement for appointment as Vice-Chancellor.
Zakari alleged that recent developments in the ongoing selection process had raised serious concerns among stakeholders, with fears of external political influence affecting the integrity of the process in favour of Dr Benjamin Kefas.
Hr further reviewed Kefas’ academic background, stating that he holds degrees in pharmacy, including a B.Pharm, MSc and PhD, obtained from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
He acknowledged that he is a research scientist, educator and writer who has served as an Assistant Professor of Neuro-oncology at the University of Virginia, with experience in scientific research, curriculum development and project management.
“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 appointment of Vice Chancellors in federal universities.
“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,” the group said.
The petitioners insisted that available records do not show that Kefas holds a full professorship, noting that while a Benjamin Kefas is listed as an Assistant Professor in Neurology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, there is no evidence he has served as Head of Department, Dean or Director within a university system.
They also alleged that the process for appointing the next Vice-Chancellor had been compromised, claiming that out of about 40 applicants, 36 were screened out, leaving four candidates.
They added that three reportedly from Taraba State and one from Adamawa State, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
The group therefore called on the Federal Government to intervene to safeguard the integrity of the university and prevent what it described as a brewing industrial crisis.
It also urged the Federal Ministry of Education to conduct an independent review of the selection and screening process to verify that shortlisted candidates meet prescribed academic and administrative qualifications.
It would ensure that no external political influence compromises the autonomy of the university governing council.
The petition also called for transparent communication to reassure staff, students and stakeholders that merit and due process would determine the final selection, as well as corrective measures if any procedural irregularities or undue influence are established.
