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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent intervention at the University of Abuja, sacking its vice chancellor and dissolving the university’s council, is a welcome move. However, it’s crucial to address the underlying issues that have plagued the institution. The university’s admission process, for instance, has been marred by irregularities, with candidates being admitted without merit.

A case in point is that of Rhoda Jida Aminu, an internally displaced girl from Borno State who applied to read law at the University of Abuja. Despite scoring 277 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and passing all nine subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, she was not offered admission. Instead, she was advised to apply for Media Studies, which is a clear indication of the university’s flawed admission process.

The university’s handling of admissions has been shrouded in secrecy, with the Vice Chancellor’s office and the Registrar making decisions without transparency. This lack of accountability has led to a situation where candidates who deserve admission are denied, while those with connections are favoured.

Furthermore, the university’s leadership has been criticised for its provincial approach to appointments and admissions. The Chairman of the defunct Council/Pro Chancellor, AVM Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, and the dismissed Vice Chancellor, Professor Aisha Maikudi, both hail from Katsina State. This raises questions about nepotism and the lack of national character in the university’s leadership.

To address these issues, it’s essential to set up a Visitation Panel to investigate the university’s admission process, appointments, and overall management. The panel should look into the opaque admissions criteria, the irregularities in the selection of deans, and the lack of academic conventions, such as regular inaugural lectures.

Ultimately, the University of Abuja should be a symbol of national unity and excellence, reflecting the character of the federation that owns it. As the new Pro Chancellor, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, and Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Lar Patricia Manko, assume office, they should prioritise transparency, accountability, and meritocracy in all aspects of the university’s operations.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also deserves commendation for listening to various voices of reason and wisdom to save the University of Abuja. His intervention, although belated, has helped to prevent further damage to the institution.

As the university begins a new chapter, it’s essential to learn from the mistakes of the past. The university’s stakeholders, including the federal government, the academic staff, and students, must work together to restore the institution’s reputation and ensure that it becomes a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

In conclusion, the University of Abuja’s crisis is a wake-up call for all stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector. It highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and meritocracy in the management of our tertiary institutions. As we move forward, we must prioritise the interests of our students, our academic staff, and our nation, ensuring that our universities become centres of excellence that can compete with the best in the world.

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