VC Army Varsity Biu Disregards Ministerial Directive on Closure of Universities
The Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Army University Biu, Prof Kyari Mohammed, has refused to shut down the University for election in flagrant disregard of a ministerial directive.
Recall that the National Universities Commission had via a circular with reference NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/178 dated 2nd February, 2023 directed universities to shut down for election not later than 22nd February, 2023.
But, while all universities in Nigeria had complied by releasing circulars directing staff and students to head home for elections, Prof Kyari Mohammed has elected to keep staff at their stations. This could only mean that he believes he’s under no obligation to comply with the ministerial directive.
Feelers from the University show that staff are at a loss as to their next cause of action because, without a circular, they may be open to disciplinary actions should they stay away from work or travel for the elections.
Further investigation around the Institution has also revealed that the VC is not a stranger to disobeying federal government directives. For instance, the FG had via a circular dated August 31, 2022 reviewed the Duty Tour Allowance (DTA rates) upward. But, the VC has refused to implement it and this may not be unconnected with the fact that he has been placed on a special DTA package which puts him at par with the University’s Major Generals.
With unionism outlawed in the University, staff have found themselves without a voice and not even the University’s array of Army Generals have been able to keep this VC in line.
NUC must, as a matter of urgency, call Mohammed to order to avoid disenfranchising many Nigerians who work at the citadel or even expose them to an unnecessary risk, already mitigated by the ministerial directive.
