CRISIS LOOMS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY WUKARI OVER VICE-CHANCELLOR APPOINTMENT. (PHOTO)

 CRISIS LOOMS AT FEDERAL VARSITY WUKARI OVER VICE-CHANCELLOR APPOINTMENT 

Reports emerging from the Federal University Wukari (FUWUK), Taraba State, indicate growing tension over the ongoing process to appoint a new Vice-Chancellor, amid allegations of irregularities and concerns about transparency.

According to sources within the institution, more than 40 candidates from across Nigeria and the diaspora reportedly applied for the position. However, the university’s Governing Council is alleged to have shortlisted only four candidates for security screening by the Department of State Services (DSS), a move some stakeholders describe as unusually restrictive.

The shortlisted candidates are:

Prof. Timothy Fwa Yerima, Faculty of Law, Federal University Wukari

Prof. Ebenezer J. Ekefan, Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi

Prof. Benjamin Kefas, Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Virginia, USA

Prof. Chibiya Paul Shinggu, Department of Crop Production and Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University Wukari

Observers have noted that Prof. Benjamin Kefas is a brother to the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, a development that has raised questions in some quarters about possible conflict of interest in the selection process. It has also been observed that three of the four shortlisted candidates are reportedly from Southern Taraba, a factor critics say could further heighten regional concerns.

While no official conclusions have been reached, some stakeholders are questioning whether personal or political considerations may have influenced the shortlisting. A letter addressed to the DSS by the university, listing the four candidates for screening, has been cited by sources as evidence of the process so far.

Additional concerns have been raised regarding the academic credentials of one of the shortlisted candidates. Critics allege that details surrounding his doctoral degree and claimed affiliation with a foreign university are unclear, noting that publicly available information is limited. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.

There are also reports alleging irregularities in the academic promotion history of another shortlisted candidate, which, according to insiders, could become a point of contention in the final selection.

Furthermore, unconfirmed claims by insider sources suggest that more than N1 billion may have been budgeted to influence the process, a development that has intensified calls for scrutiny and accountability. No official confirmation has been provided regarding this allegation.

Stakeholders are now urging the Federal Government, particularly the President in his capacity as Visitor to the university, to intervene and ensure that the appointment process is transparent, credible and guided strictly by merit.

Many insist that the leadership of FUWUK, as a public institution, must reflect integrity and fairness, warning that any perception of undue influence could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s university system.