Fresh concerns have emerged over alleged political interference in Nigeria’s university system, as Education Minister Dr. Olatunji Alausa, is being accused of trying to impose his preferred candidate as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State. Insiders at the university claim that the Minister is pushing for the reinstatement of Professor Rasheed Hamzat, an academic whose appointment was terminated four years ago for gross misconduct. Hamzat was reportedly dismissed after a disciplinary committee found him guilty of insubordination and repeated absenteeism from work.
Despite this, sources indicate that the Minister is lobbying for his return to head the institution, raising concerns about the credibility of the selection process and the motives behind the push. University officials warn that reinstating Hamzat would violate council rules, as he was removed as a council member for disciplinary reasons.
“If a person dismissed by the university can return to lead it, what message does that send to staff and students?” a senior council member told the press.
“The law is clear: he cannot return to the same council he left under a cloud.”
The Minister is also linked to a second controversial nomination reportedly backed by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda. The Governor is reportedly supporting Professor Saddiq Radda for the position. However, Saddiq Radda allegedly failed to move past the initial screening due to low scores in both the strategic vision assessment and a plagiarism check.
The university’s Governing Council, led by retired Colonel Abdulmumini Aminu, had shortlisted six candidates for the final stage of the selection process. But Minister Alausa abruptly suspended the process on Monday, just days after the shortlist was announced. Surprisingly, the Minister also removed Colonel Aminu as Pro-Chancellor and replaced him with Ali Abubakar Jatau. The Federal Government described the shake-up as part of broader reforms aimed at improving university governance.
A statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by spokesperson Mrs Folasade Boriowo, said the changes aimed to promote “fairness, transparency, and good governance.” However, many within the university are not convinced.
“This is a hostile takeover, plain and simple,” said a senior staff member who asked not to be named.
“The Minister is manoeuvring to hijack the process and install someone who serves his interests, not the university’s.”
Critics warn that political meddling in such appointments could undermine public trust and damage institutions’ autonomy to operate independently. With the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Hamisu Armaya’u Bichi, set to end in May, many fear that the next appointment could be decided through politics rather than merit.
Dr Alausa was first appointed Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare on August 16, 2023, and sworn in five days later. On October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu redeployed him as Minister of Education following the sack of five ministers, including his predecessor, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
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