Kebbi appoints single governing official for local university

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The Kebbi State Government has formally presented Ismaila Arzika-Mungadi as the Sole Administrator of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology following the removal of the institution’s principal officers and governing council members.

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The Commissioner for Higher Education, Isha Abubakar-Tunga, presented the new administrator to the university community during a visit to the institution in Aliero.

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The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Mansur-Ango.

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The state government had earlier dissolved the university’s governing council and relieved its principal officers of their appointments after reconciliation efforts reportedly failed.

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According to the statement, the commissioner, accompanied by the acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, charged Arzika-Mungadi to assume duty as custodian and chief executive officer of the institution.

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A meeting held during the visit was attended by former deputy vice-chancellors, the former registrar and bursar, the university librarian, deputy registrar, establishment and other senior officials.

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Speaking at the meeting, Abubakar-Tunga said the decision to sack the principal officers and dissolve the governing council was based on the recommendations of a visitation panel set up by the state government.

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“The actions taken by the government were guided by the findings and recommendations of the visitation panel, with the overall objective of repositioning the university for better performance,” he stated.

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The commissioner, however, said the affected officers remained bona fide staff of the university.

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“All those relieved of their appointments remained staff of the university. Further decisions regarding their appointments will be communicated upon the return of the State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris,” he said.

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Abubakar-Tunga said the relief letters and handover directives take immediate effect.

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“The letters issued today serve not only as notices of relief from office but also as directives for immediate handing over of responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition in the administration of the university.

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“I urge all members of the university community to embrace unity, cooperation, and togetherness to move the institution forward,” he said.

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In his remarks, the newly appointed sole administrator expressed appreciation to the government for the confidence reposed in him.

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“I am deeply honoured by this appointment and grateful for the trust placed in me.

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“I call on the outgoing officers and the entire university community to work together to take AFUSTA to greater heights of academic excellence,” Arzika-Mungadi said.

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Speaking on behalf of the outgoing officers, the former registrar described the development as an act of divine will.

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“Whatever that happened is destined by Almighty Allah, and as faithful, we must accept it in good faith,” he said.

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