The process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor at the Federal University Wukari (FUW), Taraba State, has been suspended following internal disagreements within the institution’s governing structures.
The suspension followed a letter dated Dec. 17, 2025, by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Iysa Ade Bello, directing an immediate halt to the selection process.
The letter cited approval from the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, and was addressed to the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jude S. Rabo.
In the directive, the Pro-Chancellor also indicated plans to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor after the expiration of Prof. Rabo’s tenure in February 2026, subject to ministerial approval. He further announced the suspension of all contract-related payments and Governing Council meetings.
However, the decision has attracted opposition from a civil society group, Taraba State Concerned Citizens, which accused the council chairman of acting unilaterally.
In a petition to the Minister of Education, the group argued that only the Governing Council, acting collectively, has the statutory power to suspend the Vice-Chancellor selection process.
The group also contended that the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor is the responsibility of the university Senate, in line with established regulations.
According to the group, the Governing Council had earlier approved a timetable for the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and University Librarian at its meeting held on Feb. 12, 2025, while interview panels were constituted on Nov. 27, 2025. It questioned the basis for the sudden suspension of the process and raised concerns over alleged attempts to influence the exercise, allegedly in violation of the federal character principle.
Reacting to the allegations, the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rabo, denied any interference in the process, describing the claims as misleading.
In a letter dated Dec. 18, 2025, he stated that the Governing Council had duly approved the selection process and that advertisements for the positions were published in August 2025.
He added that he had not received any official query or directive from the Ministry of Education or the National Universities Commission (NUC), and queried why the suspension affected only the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor.
Meanwhile, investigations indicate that internal disagreements among members of the five-man selection committee may have contributed to the stalemate.
Stakeholders have called on the Minister of Education, the NUC and other relevant academic authorities to intervene to ensure transparency, due process and strict adherence to extant regulations in the selection of the university’s next Vice-Chancellor.
