A civil society group, Advocacy for Equity in Higher Education, has raised concerns over what it describes as a deeply flawed leadership style and succession process at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), as the tenure of the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, ends May 9, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group’s convener, Mallam Sulayman Nafiu, criticised Prof. Bichi’s administration, citing alleged irregularities, favoritism, and poor governance. Nafiu particularly questioned the shortlisting process for the incoming Vice Chancellor, which he claimed lacked transparency and merit.
“The shortlisting process for the next Vice Chancellor was clearly flawed,” Nafiu stated. “Prof. Bichi’s preferred candidates—Prof. Jamilu Shehu, Prof. Aminu Dalhatu, and Prof Bem Alexander Adi —were shortlisted without adherence to due process. This undermines the university’s integrity and academic excellence.”
The group also alleged that recent staff recruitment under Prof. Bichi was tainted by favoritism. Nafiu referenced a May 6, 2025 report by Katsina Post- an online media platform, claiming that the outgoing VC openly admitted to allocating recruitment slots to friends and family including his friend and one of the contenders for the Vice Chancellor seat, Prof. Sadiq Radda.
READ ALSO: UI, 7 Others To Benefit FG’s 24-Hour Electricity Deal With REA
“Such practices are not only unethical but highlight a disturbing culture of impunity and disregard for merit,” Nafiu said.
He further accused Prof. Bichi of using his position to sideline qualified individuals perceived as threats to his influence, citing the example of Prof. Rasheed Adedayo Hamzat.
“Prof. Bichi maliciously portrayed Prof. Hamzat as having been sacked from FUDMA, while in truth, he resigned in protest of the poor leadership. Prof. Hamzat has since transferred to the University of Abuja, paying the mandatory three months’ salary to FUDMA’s account as required by law,” he said.
Describing Prof. Bichi’s leadership style as “vindictive and power-driven,” Nafiu argued that the outgoing VC’s tenure was marked by controversy from the start.
“His own appointment was without advertisement and involved clear backdoor dealings. It’s ironic that someone who emerged through such questionable means is now presiding over an equally questionable succession process,” he added.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and the newly appointed Chairman of FUDMA’s Governing Council, HE. Ali Abubakar Jatau to intervene by setting aside the current shortlist and initiating a fresh, merit-based selection process.
“We are calling for transparency, fairness, and integrity. Anything less would be a disservice to Nigeria’s educational system,” Nafiu concluded.
