A group known as Movement for the Advancement and Protection of the University of Jos (MAAPU) have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari who is also the Visitor of the University of Jos to quickly intervene in the ongoing politics on the selection of the new Vice Chancellor to succeed the current VC who’s tenure will end in June, 2021.
The group during a press conference led by its Coordinator, Comrade Daniel Sati Tanko said there is a deliberate attempt to stampede and cause confusion by some people who do not have the interest of the University and indeed Plateau State at heart.
“You are aware that as a tradition, a process was put in place for a smooth transition as the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Sebastian Seddi Maimako, is to elapse.
“First, as mandated by section 3(2)a of the University’s Act, advertisements were placed in some notable National Dailies for suitable qualified candidates to apply for the Vice Chancellorship of the University between the periods of 23rd December 2020 to the 4th of February 2021.
“Two, a Search Panel, in line with section 3 (2)b of the Institution’s Act, headed by Hon. Usman Lamido was set up by the University Governing Council, kick-starting the selection process.
“Sadly, tragedy struck on 1st February, 2021 when the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council Hon. Prince Tony Momoh passed on.
“Since nature abhors vacuum, the Governing Council met to continue the process as stipulated by the University Act which spells out clearly that in the absence of the Chairman of Council, members present can elect one of them to preside over a meeting when a quorum is formed.
“This was done and Dr. Mrs. Philomena Mutbam was elected to chair the meeting. The same Council met and selected a three man Interview Panel with Dr. Mrs. Philomena Mutbam elected as its Chairman.
“However, four days to the interview proper, a new twist was introduced into the exercise when the National Universities Commission (NUC) ordered the immediate suspension of interview.
The group appeal to Buhari to cause a letter to be issued to Dr. Mrs. Philomena Mutbam to complete the process within four days so as not to create a vacuum for the Institution.
They said nothing has been heard from either the Minister of Education or NUC, thereby making them curious and suspicious of the powers that be which they viewed was an agenda to short-change the process and bring in a unqualified person as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos.
“All the excuses given by the National University Commission and the Federal Ministry of Education in demonizing the Dr Philomena Mutbam Election Panel on the Vice Chancellor’s issue are lame and mere academic idiosyncrasy created to give credence to their plot to short change Plateau from its rightful position in the University.
