The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education Kano (YUMSFUEK), branch, has demanded the immediate removal of Professor Ahmad Adamu, Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from his position as Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution.

The lecturers accused Professor Adamu of a conflict of interest, alleging that his dual role as ABU VC and Governing Council Chairman at YUMSFUEK had undermined the institution’s transition and violated the principles of transparency and due process.

In a petition jointly signed by the branch chairman, Dr. Bashir Ibrahim, and five other members, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Maruf Tunji Alausa, the union also rejected the alleged ongoing plan by the Council to appoint a new Vice Chancellor without due process and reappoint the outgoing Acting VC, Dr. Sadi Mohammed Sirajo, as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor.

ASUU accused the Governing Council of flouting the Federal Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act by excluding key statutory members namely representatives of the Senate, Congregation, and Convocation from the VC selection process.

“The entire process was a charade orchestrated by a compromised Governing Council that deliberately excluded critical stakeholders, violated statutory provisions, and acted in bad faith to impose a predetermined candidate,” the petition stated.

The union argued that without these mandatory representatives, the Governing Council remains illegally constituted, and all decisions made including the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor are null and void.

ASUU also raised strong objections to the continued leadership of Professor Adamu as Council Chairman, accusing him of bias, incompetence, and fostering division within the university.

“His dual role constitutes a glaring conflict of interest, as his primary loyalty remains with ABU, not YUMSFUEK,” the union wrote. “Under his leadership, the Council has operated with secrecy, sidelined dissenting voices, and facilitated the imposition of his favoured candidate.”

They called for his immediate removal, saying his continued presence was a threat to the stability and progress of the institution.

On Dr. Sirajo, whose tenure as Acting VC expired four months ago, ASUU accused him of overstaying his mandate, obstructing the university’s upgrade, and using his influence within the Council to suppress dissent and cling to power through proxies.

“He misled the Council, withheld crucial documents, and victimized staff who opposed his extended stay,” the union alleged, claiming he denied such staff promotions, allowances, and training opportunities.

ASUU warned that failure to act on these demands could plunge the university into deeper crisis, urging the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant bodies to intervene urgently to save the institution.

As of the time of filing this report, the Governing Council and university authorities had not officially responded to the allegations. (Daily Trust)