The last week decision of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to appoint Prof. Kenneth Adeyemi as the acting Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete has created crisis that led to the closure of the university indefinitely. There have also been reactions. Acting National President of a socio-cultural group, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union , (IEDPU), Yahaya Ahmed , who was joined by other exco members addressed a press conference in Ilorin on Thursday. The union appealed to the governor to reconsider his decision and allow the former Vice -Chancellor, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’allah to complete his tenure. ‘It is important to emphasize that the decision to hold the press conference was informed by IEDPU’s status as an important stakeholder and the voice of a significant segment of Kwara. The union wishes to state that the directive that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah should go on compulsory accumulated leave prior to the glorious conclusion of his eventful two-term tenure was not correct. We also want to stress that we have it on good authority that the Governing Council of the University, under the Chairmanship of the respected Prof. Saka Nuhu, did not meet to take decision on the matter under review’ Yahaya Ahmed said. He added that decisions taken by anyone, group or authority without strict adherence to the laid down procedure cannot stand the test of time, adding that attempt to remove Prof.Na’Allah, while allegedly by-passing the Governing Council will amount to a negation of civility and legitimacy. Reacting to the submission made by the IEDPU, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Uztaz Abdullahi-Alikinla asserted that the decision taken by the governor was in order and constitutional, noting that as visitor to the university, he has the power to appoint anybody as the Vice-Chancellor. Abdulahi, thus, urged the people of the state not to consider the action as politics-infused. Meanwhile, the university authorities last week Thursday officially shut down the institution. Though, the students have left the campus after the second semester examinations ended on the 4th of May, some among them particularly , the final year students opted to stay back in order to attend to their final year projects , they have however, lost such privilege as they have all been asked to return to their parents and guardians through a statement by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Sakah Mahmud. ‘Because of recent developments in our state and in the University and the reactions by the students to the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor which had the students giving a 24- hour ultimatum to the government, the University Management (and three University Members of the Governing Council) met yesterday, Wednesday, 8th of May, 2019 and decided to temporarily close the university until further notice as a preventive measure against any possible disturbances. I want to re-emphasize that this measure is to ensure the security of our great campus. I am in touch with the Pro-Chancellor and the Council Chairman, and they indicated total support that closing the campus at this time is desirable. Thank God that exams have been completed and grading is still ongoing, with some lecturers already uploading their grades. Staff and students should leave the university quietly and ensure the safety of property and lives. Reports reaching me indicated that a contingent of police (in vehicles belonging to KWIRS) was advancing towards the campus and that it took some intervention to get them to return to Ilorin. KWASU does not want any situation in which the ongoing temporary crisis which would be safely and easily resolved by the grace of God would lead to the loss of any life. Please take your luggage and other personal belongings and go home safely until further notice. Please, this decision takes effect immediately. The Office of Campus Safety is hereby notified and to please monitor everywhere to ensure peace and safety on campus’, he stated.
