A fresh crisis is brewing at the Kwara State University, Malete, ahead of the completion of the term of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrasheed Naallah who is billed to leave next month. The Governing Council of the institution headed by Prof. Saka Nuhu took decisive decisions on who emerges as Naallah’s successor last week.
Though three candidates have been shortlisted, all things being equal, Prof. Sakah Mahmud, has been tipped to be the next Vice-Chancellor of the institution. Mahmud’s possible bid to replace Nallah has though received substantial support from his backers particularly the outgoing Vice-Chancellor , the power brokers of the institution and some APC stalwarts; his candidature is , however, billed to face resistance from the people of the Kwara South as they have faulted the selection process.
Global Excellence learned the selection committee comprises of the Chairman , Governing Council, Prof. Saka Nuhu , the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrasheed Naalah , Prof. Salihu Hassan, Hon. Oba Aluko, a Director , KWASU Press, Prof. Salihu and Dr Temitayo Oladiji. The selection committee conducted interview for the candidates on Wednesday, 19th June while the Governing Council shortlisted names of three candidates for the Vice-Chancellorship position on Thursday, 20th of June.
They are Prof. Sakah Mahmud, Prof. Yisa Gana and the son of former ICPC boss, Late Justice Mustapha Akanbi, Prof. Mohammed Akanbi. Two among the candidates are from the Kwara North while one is from the Kwara Central. No one among them is from the Kwara South. Staff and the stakeholders from the Kwara South axis of the state are thus, poised to stand against the outcome of the selection process. Prof. Christopher Odetunde who was among the candidates from the Kwara South had his first degree, masters and PhD degrees in the United States of America and returned to Nigeria as a professor and had lectured in the university as a permanent staff for seven years.
The Oro, Irepodun local government born university Don who is a professor of aeronautic and astronautic engineering was not according to the aggrieved staff invited for the interview at all. The Governing Council is expected to forward the names of the shortlisted candidates and the preferred choice among them to the Visitor to the University for approval. Kwara State governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is the Visitor to the university. While keeping fingers crossed, we shall definitely keep you posted as events unfold.
-Akinlolu Abayomi
