A group of concerned academics and alumni has asked the federal government to extend the tenure of Patricia Lar, the acting vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja.
The group, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said the acting vice-chancellor has stabilised the university since her appointment in February.
In a joint statement, the group described her emergence as a “rescue mission” following the removal of Aisha Maikudi, the former VC, on February 6.
Godwin Okaneme of the department of philosophy, Iheanyichukwu Ukpabi of the department of policy and strategic studies, Abuja Leadership Centre, and Umoru Abdulrasheed Oseni of the faculty of education jointly signed the statement.
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They praised President Bola Tinubu for intervening and commended Tunji Alausa, minister of education, and Olanrewaju Tejuosho, the university’s pro-chancellor, for their support for Lar.
According to the group, Lar has ended staff victimisation, resumed dialogue with unions and student bodies, and addressed issues like stalled promotions and infrastructure decay.
They described her leadership style as “humane and inclusive”, noting that the acting VC’s approach to governance has brought calm to the campus.
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Although her mandate is for six months, they want it extended to allow for the completion of ongoing reforms.
The group also called for the urgent constitution of a new governing council and a visitation panel to investigate alleged illegal recruitments and financial misconduct under the previous administration.
This is an AI-assisted report.
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