The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano (YUMSFUEK) branch, has called for the immediate removal of Professor Ahmad Adamu as Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, citing a conflict of interest.
According to a petition addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and signed by the branch chairperson, Dr. Bashir Ibrahim, along with five other members, the union alleges that Prof. Adamu, who is also the serving Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, cannot objectively oversee the affairs of YUMSFUEK while holding a substantive leadership role in another institution.
The petition highlights that Adamu’s dual responsibilities are impeding the university’s transition and growth, particularly its ongoing upgrade into a full-fledged university.
Concerns Over Due Process in VC Appointment
The union also expressed opposition to what it describes as an illegitimate plan by the Governing Council to install a new Vice Chancellor without following established legal and academic procedures. ASUU strongly criticised the repositioning of Dr. Sadi Mohammed Sirajo as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, claiming his previous tenure had already expired four months ago.
“The entire process was a charade orchestrated by a compromised Governing Council,” the union stated. “It deliberately excluded critical stakeholders, violated statutory provisions, and acted in bad faith to impose a predetermined candidate.”
ASUU accused the council of operating without a full complement of legally mandated members, including representatives from the university’s Senate, Congregation, and Convocation—an omission the union views as a calculated attempt to manipulate the institution’s leadership structure.
Allegations of Bias, Victimisation and Secrecy
The petition further alleges that Prof. Adamu’s leadership of the Council has been marred by partisanship, administrative opacity, and disregard for due process. ASUU claims that under his watch, dissenting voices have been sidelined, staff have been victimised, and key processes hijacked to favour specific individuals.
“His continued chairmanship poses a direct threat to the stability and growth of YUMSFUEK,” the union said, calling for his immediate removal.
Dr. Sirajo, the outgoing Acting VC, was also accused of overstaying his tenure and obstructing institutional development. ASUU insists he must be held accountable for misleading the Council and undermining efforts to reposition the institution.
Union Demands Reconstitution and Probe
To restore credibility and institutional order, ASUU has demanded the full reconstitution of the Governing Council to include statutory representatives from the university’s academic and host communities, as well as alumni.
The union also urged the Federal Government to launch a comprehensive investigation into the alleged procedural violations and apply appropriate sanctions to those found culpable.
A Call for Transparency in Higher Education Governance
The situation at YUMSFUEK underscores long-standing concerns about governance, transparency, and stakeholder inclusion in Nigerian tertiary institutions. As the federal government pushes for reforms across the education sector, staff unions are increasingly vocal about the need to uphold the rule of law and institutional autonomy.
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