Alumni Express Concerns Over Vice Chancellor Selection Process at ATBU Bauchi

Alumni Express Concerns Over Vice Chancellor Selection Process at ATBU Bauchi

A group of concerned alumni from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi has issued an open letter to the Pro-Chancellor and members of the university’s Governing Council, expressing grave concerns about the integrity of the selection process for a new Vice Chancellor and other principal officers.

In the letter, signed by key alumni including Bldr. Maigari Sambo, Isiaka Dambo, FNSE, Eng. Karamba Pali, and Dr. Ezra Timlong, the group contends that the appointment process is under threat from “an opportunistic and self-serving trio” of council members: Professors AY Dutse, AM Babayo, and SY Umar. Allegations have been made that the trio, allegedly aligned with one of the candidates, has unlawfully accessed the CVs of all applicants.

The alumni expressed their alarm at reports indicating that the professors, along with a senior staff member from the registry and an individual named Yahaya Kawure from the Council Secretariat, had improperly obtained and opened the applicants’ documents prior to the formal proceedings. This activity reportedly began at Gubi campus before transferring to the DICT at Yelwa Campus.

The letter condemns these actions as “brazen, immoral, and dangerous,” arguing that they undermine the credibility of the selection process and tarnish the reputation of ATBU Bauchi, which has already faced challenges in public perception. The group stated that the trio’s conduct appears aimed at discrediting competing candidates and spreading unfounded rumors about the applicant qualifications.

“Should this trio be allowed to participate in any process leading to the appointment of either the Vice Chancellor or any principal officer, having had prior knowledge of the contents of their submissions?” the alumni questioned, suggesting that the answer is clear to anyone with a sense of morality.

They called upon Pro-Chancellor General Jekada to take immediate action to address the situation, which they deem a severe breach of trust and an assault on the university’s governance. The alumni have demanded the disqualification of the three council members from the selection process and suggested that they should consider resigning from their positions altogether.

In conclusion, the alumni urged the Pro-Chancellor and the members of the Governing Council to dissociate themselves from the actions of the trio to restore public confidence and preserve the integrity of ATBU’s selection process. They emphasize the importance of General Jekada’s reputation, advocating for a swift response to the alleged misconduct to uphold the values of due process and fairness within the university.

The situation continues to develop as the ATBU community watches closely for official responses from the governing bodies involved.

By PRNigeria