The management of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) in Benue State has dismissed as false and unfounded allegation of appointment of principal officers of the institution on ethnic or religious considerations.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Innocent Ujah, in a statement, said the appointment of principal officers of the University was made by President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2020.
Ujah said the appointments were based on qualifications, experience, competence and catchment area without compromising the federal character of the country.
He listed those he called “principal officers” to include Professor Abdullahi Alkali Abba, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council from Adamawa state, (North East), Professor Innocent Ujah, Vice-Chancellor, from Benue state, (North-Central), Professor Ibrahim A. Yakassai from Kano state, (North-West), Professor Martins Ike – Mounso from Enugu State, (South East), Professor John Idoko, from Benue State, (North-Central), Mr Ola Opesan from Lagos State, (South-West) and Malam Aminu Abba from Kano State, Registrar and Secretary to Council, (North West).
He said Mr President also appointed the Emir of Zamfara state, HRH Alhaji Attahiru Muhammed Ahmed ( CON) from North West as the Chancellor of the University on July 9, 2021.
Ujah defended his choice of somewhat Idoma-dominated academic and non-academic staff leadership.
“In exercise of his rights guaranteed by the University Act, the Vice-Chancellor has the right to appoint his deputies and heads of Departments, Directorates and units to assist him in the day to day management of the university,“ he said.
All recruitments or appointments, the Vice-Chancellor stated, would be based on qualifications, competence without undermining consideration for our diversity and federal character.
He assured the public that the priority of the university is to work hard to achieve academic excellence with the best hands anywhere in the world.
He stressed, “We are working towards achieving a world-class university that would attract the best brains from across the world. It is inconceivable and unthinkable to ascribe ethnic or religious considerations in our operations.
“We are conscious of the Federal Character and diversity of our country without compromising competence and standards. The World is our constituency. We want to achieve global Academic excellence in our university. There are no bases for ethnic or religious sentiments.
“The management will at all times reflect and indeed be mindful of the diversity of the country in the recruitment of personnel and admission of students
“There is nothing to worry about because our activities and actions would be an open book for all to see”.
Recall that EduCeleb.com reported of some youths under the name of the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide of Benue state alleged ethnic bias in the appointment of principal officers of the university.
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