The University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has initiated an indefinite strike starting from Thursday, May 2. Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, the Chairman of the branch, confirmed this decision, which was reached during a congress meeting held at the institution’s Permanent Site.
The ASUU members at the University of Abuja have been in disagreement with the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah, and the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, regarding the process for appointing a new VC.
This conflict arose following the publication of an advertorial in a national daily on March 15, 2024, calling for applications for the position of the Vice-Chancellor to replace Na’Allah.
However, ASUU members rejected the advertisement during a conference, deeming it “illegal” and asserting that it did not originate from the governing council. According to Dr. Ugoh, the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Act 1993, as amended in 2003 and 2012 (Section 3, subsections 1 and 2), grants exclusive authority to the governing council to advertise the vacancy for the VC position when it becomes available.
Dr. Ugoh emphasized that no other entity or individual possesses the legal authority to initiate the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor.
