The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at the University of Abuja has embarked on an indefinite strike, signalling their dissent over the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor (VC).
Following a congress convened at the institution’s permanent site on Thursday, May 2, the ASUU chapter declared their intention to proceed with the strike action.
The rift stems from disagreements among UniAbuja ASUU members, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, and Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, concerning the procedure for selecting Na’Allah’s successor.
An advertorial, which surfaced in a national daily on March 15, 2024, calling for applications to replace Na’Allah, served as the catalyst for the dispute.
However, ASUU members, in a collective conference, rebuffed the advertorial, branding it as “illegal” and asserting that it did not originate from the governing council.
Sylvanus Ugoh, the chairman of UniAbuja ASUU, emphasised that under the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1993, as amended in 2003 and 2012 (Section 3, subsections 1 and 2), only the governing council possesses the mandate to advertise the vacancy for the VC position when it becomes vacant.
He underscored that no other entity or individual is lawfully empowered to initiate the process of selecting a new VC.
Addressing the matter, Ugoh remarked, “You will recall that the university administration placed an advert on the vacancy of the post of a Vice-Chancellor on Friday, March 15th, 2024.”
With the strike now in effect, the university community awaits further developments as stakeholders navigate the intricacies of the VC appointment process amidst the impasse.
