The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has summoned the Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Alausa, to appear before it over claims of unlawful dismissal of vice chancellors and the dissolution of university governing councils across the country.
Committee chairman, Rep. Abubakar Fulata (APC–Jigawa), made the announcement during a meeting held in Abuja. He said the committee had received numerous petitions alleging that the minister was involved in decisions that undermined due process in university administration.
Affected schools by minister’s actions
Fulata named institutions such as Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among those reportedly affected by the minister’s actions.
According to him, “The education sector is facing a crisis of unstable leadership. The unilateral dissolution of governing councils and removal of vice chancellors has created serious concerns. These actions threaten to disrupt harmony within institutions and undermine the legal framework that governs university operations.”
He warned that such interference could destabilize the academic environment and violate provisions of existing university laws, especially with regard to leadership succession and council autonomy.
One of the petitions, titled “Unwarranted Removal of Prof. Aisha Maikudi as Vice Chancellor and Dissolution of Governing Council of University of Abuja”, was brought forward by Prof. Abubakar Kari, who appeared before the committee alongside other concerned staff of the University of Abuja.
Kari condemned the removal of Maikudi on February 6, 2025, and the sudden dissolution of the governing council. He stated that Air Vice Marshal Ismaila Kaita (rtd), then chairman of the council, was also relieved of his duties without due process, and replaced by Senator Lanre Tejuoso, while Prof. Patricia Lar was appointed acting vice chancellor.
He argued that the changes violated the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act, 2003, which clearly outlines the legal procedure for removing a vice chancellor — a responsibility vested solely in the governing council.
Kari appealed to the lawmakers to step in and reinstate both Maikudi and the former council members, noting they were duly elected representatives of the University Senate and Congregation.
Speaking before the committee, both Prof. Maikudi and AVM Kaita revealed that they had not received any formal communication or dismissal letters regarding their removal.
The committee is expected to question the minister on the legality of his actions and determine appropriate recommendations to restore compliance with the law.
