Reps Summon Education Minister For Allegedly Sacking University VCs
The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has summoned the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu (Tunji) Alausa, following multiple petitions accusing him of unlawfully sacking several university vice-chancellors and dissolving governing councils.
The committee’s action comes amid growing concerns from stakeholders in the university system, including academic unions and former council members, who allege that the Minister acted without due process.
The petitioners claim that Dr. Alausa removed vice-chancellors before the expiration of their tenures and dismantled governing councils contrary to the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, confirmed on Thursday that the Minister has been invited to appear before the committee next week. He said the committee is determined to ensure that university governance in Nigeria adheres to the law.
“We are taking the petitions seriously, and the Honourable Minister must appear before us to explain the basis for these actions,” Fulata said.
An official from one of the affected universities, speaking anonymously, described the Minister’s actions as arbitrary, alleging that the dismissed vice-chancellors were not given formal queries or council recommendations prior to their removal.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has also expressed concern, with its National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, calling for full compliance with legal and procedural standards.
He warned that continued violations could destabilize the already fragile university system.
There has been no official response yet from the Ministry of Education, but insiders close to the Minister insist that his actions were aimed at improving transparency and restoring order in university administration.
The House Committee is expected to hold a public hearing after the Minister’s appearance, where testimonies may be taken from affected individuals, legal experts, and university leaders.
