The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology (AFUST), Aliero, Kebbi State, Prof. Ismaila A. Mungadi, has resigned from office, citing recent developments that have made it difficult for him to effectively discharge his mandate.
Mungadi announced his resignation in a letter dated August 28, 2026, addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council.
In the letter titled “Resignation from Appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero,” the professor said his resignation would take effect from Friday, August 28.
He explained that he accepted the appointment with a clear mandate to stabilise the university, strengthen its governance processes, restore confidence and academic integrity, and facilitate the transition to substantive leadership.
Mungadi said he had devoted himself fully to the assignment since assuming office and had worked with members of the university community and other stakeholders to make considerable progress within the period available.
However, he said recent developments had increasingly made it difficult for him to discharge his responsibilities with the level of independence, effectiveness and institutional harmony he considered necessary.
“Developments in recent weeks have increasingly made it difficult for me to discharge the mandate with the independence, effectiveness and institutional harmony that I believe are necessary for its successful accomplishment,” he said.
According to him, he made sincere efforts to address the emerging challenges through the appropriate structures and sought resolutions to the issues, but eventually concluded that he could no longer satisfactorily achieve the objectives for which he accepted the appointment.
He said remaining in office under circumstances where he could not effectively discharge his mandate would not be in the best interest of the university.
“For me, remaining in office when I am unable to effectively discharge the mandate entrusted to me would not be in the best interest of the University. I therefore consider resignation the most appropriate course of action,” he stated.
Despite his resignation, Mungadi said he remained committed to the progress of the university and the developmental aspirations of Kebbi State.
He expressed appreciation to the Visitor and the Kebbi State Government for the confidence reposed in him, as well as members of the Governing Council, staff, students and other members of the university community for their cooperation during his tenure.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor also assured the Governing Council that he would ensure an orderly handover of the university’s affairs and remain available to facilitate a smooth transition.
The resignation comes at a critical period for the relatively new institution, with Mungadi urging that the gains already recorded be consolidated and that the university remain focused on stability, academic excellence and institutional integrity.
Meanwhile, a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity offered a different perspective on the circumstances surrounding the resignation.
The official claimed that Mungadi had secured the state governor’s approval for some projects at the university, but alleged that funds approved for their execution had not been released.
According to the source, about N300 million reportedly approved for the projects was allegedly withheld by some officials.
“He resigned due to the fact that some top government officials were trying to stop him from discharging his assignment,” the source alleged.
The official further claimed that Mungadi had been appointed by the governor to sanitise the institution following the removal of the former Vice-Chancellor and that the alleged funding dispute contributed to his decision to resign.
“He decided to resign to save his name from being dragged into the mud by politicians,” the source added.
The allegations could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
