The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), North-West University (NWU), Kano branch, has expressed concern over the delay in appointing and confirming a substantive Vice-Chancellor for the institution.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Mansur Sa’id, and Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Ahmad-Gwarzo, and issued on Monday in Kano.
According to the statement, the tenure of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor ended on October 15, after which the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) assumed office in an acting capacity on October 16.
The union, however, described the arrangement as illegal, saying it is not provided for in the North-West University Law (as amended) 2012.
“Section 9(2) of the Law provides that the Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed by the Council subject to confirmation by the Visitor, following due process as outlined in the Second Schedule, Section 4.3 (a–h).
“The process requires the declaration of vacancy, constitution of a search panel to identify qualified candidates, and the formation of a board of selection to recommend three nominees to the Governing Council for final appointment and confirmation by the Visitor,” the statement said.
ASUU noted that the University Governing Council held a special meeting on October 2, where it deliberated on the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
“ASUU-NWU is, however, concerned about the delay by the Council in communicating the resolution of its meeting to the university community and transmitting the appointed candidates’ names to the Visitor for confirmation,” it added.
The statement called for transparency, adherence to due process, and non-interference from all stakeholders to ensure the timely conclusion of the appointment and confirmation process.
It further appealed to the Governing Council and the Visitor to expedite action to prevent administrative lapses and leadership vacuum in the institution.
