A dispute has halted the appointment process for a new vice-chancellor at Federal University Wukari in Taraba State, Nigeria, following a directive from the university's governing council chairman. Stakeholders accuse the action of being unilateral, while the vice-chancellor defends the original process as properly approved.
The Federal University Wukari (FUW) in Taraba State faces a governance crisis over the selection of its next vice-chancellor. On December 17, 2025, Professor Iysa Ade Bello, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, issued a letter suspending the process. Addressed to incumbent Vice-Chancellor Professor Jude S. Rabo, the directive claimed authority from Education Minister Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa. It also outlined plans for an acting vice-chancellor upon Rabo's tenure ending in February 2026, pending ministerial approval, and ordered a freeze on contract payments alongside suspension of council meetings.
Taraba State Concerned Citizens, led by Ahmadu Stephen, opposed the move in a petition to the minister. They argued that only the full Governing Council can suspend the process, not the chairman alone, and that appointing an acting vice-chancellor falls to the university Senate, not the minister. The group highlighted that the council had approved a timeline at its 29th meeting on February 12, 2025. Senate and congregation representatives were elected, and interview panels formed on November 27, 2025, with interviews set for January 18-22, 2026. They questioned the sudden change and alleged the chairman aimed to favor a candidate from the South-West, breaching federal character principles.
In response, Professor Rabo, in a December 18, 2025, letter, called the claims misleading. He noted the council's approval and advertisements from August 2025, expressing surprise at lacking any query from the Ministry or National Universities Commission. He pointed out the suspension's focus on the vice-chancellor role while ignoring the librarian appointment. Tensions arose in the five-member selection committee, comprising two Senate representatives, two council members, and the Pro-Chancellor as chair. Anonymous staff reported internal disagreements and personal interests influencing the process.
The group urged intervention from the minister, National Universities Commission, Committee of Vice-Chancellors, and Academic Staff Union of Universities to ensure transparency. As the standoff continues, concerns grow over the university's stability and reputation for industrial harmony.
