An industrial dispute may be imminent at the Federal University Wukari (FUW) in Taraba State after a group, Concerned Person with Education Interest, petitioned the Federal Ministry of Education over an alleged attempt by Governor Agbu Kefas to influence the appointment of his brother, Dr. Benjamin Kefas, as the university’s next Vice-Chancellor.
In the petition signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Bulus Zakari, the governor was accused of allegedly manoeuvring to secure the position for his brother, despite what the group described as insufficient qualifications and academic credentials for the role.
The petitioners said there was no evidence showing that the governor’s brother had attained the rank of professor in the university system, a key condition for appointment as Vice-Chancellor.
“Recent events surrounding the ongoing selection process have raised serious concerns among stakeholders as there are growing fears that external political influence, particularly from the State Governor, Agbu Kefas, may be affecting the integrity of the process, as allegations are riff that efforts are being made to influence the selection in favour of his brother, Dr. Benjamin Ate Kefas,” Zakari alleged.
The petition also reviewed Kefas’ academic background, noting that he holds pharmacy degrees, including a B.Pharm, MSc and PhD, obtained from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
It acknowledged that he is a research scientist, educator and writer who has worked as an Assistant Professor of Neuro-oncology at the University of Virginia, with experience in scientific research, curriculum development and project management.
“Our concern is not directed at any individual on personal grounds, but rather at ensuring that the appointment process remains transparent, competitive, merit-based, and compliant with the statutory requirements guiding appointment of Vice Chancellors in federal universities.
“The Vice-Chancellor position requires the attainment of the rank of professor with at least 10 years of experience, proven integrity, and high administrative ability, among other qualifications clearly specified in university regulations and guidelines issued by the Federal Government,” they said.
The group maintained that available records do not indicate that he holds a full professorship. It added that although a Benjamin Ate Kefas is listed as an Assistant Professor in Neurology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, there is no evidence he has served as a Head of Department, Dean or Director within a university.
According to the petitioners, Benjamin Kefas is not a professor and has never occupied academic leadership roles such as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty or Director in any university.
They also alleged that the process for appointing the next Vice-Chancellor had been compromised. Out of about 40 applicants, they said, 36 were screened out, leaving only four candidates—three reportedly from Taraba State and one from Adamawa State—raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
The group called on the Federal Government to step in to protect the integrity of the university and avert what it described as a looming industrial crisis.
“We therefore respectfully urge the Federal Ministry of Education, as supervisory authority over federal universities, to intervene promptly and ensure that the ongoing appointment process adheres strictly to University, Miscellaneous Provisions, Act 1993 and its amendments, also known as the Universities Autonomy Act.
“Specifically, we request the Ministry to: Conduct an independent review of the selection and screening process to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with statutory requirements.
“Verify that all shortlisted candidates meet the academic and administrative qualifications prescribed for the office of Vice-Chancellor.
“Ensure that no external political influence compromises the autonomy of the university governing council or the integrity of the appointment process.
“Reassure staff, students, and stakeholders through transparent communication that merit and due process will determine the final selection.
“Take necessary corrective measures should any procedural irregularities or undue influences be established,” the petition read.
