The appointment of Professor Patricia Lar as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has witnessed the return of gradual normalcy and stability, a don, Dr. Andrew Musa, has submitted.

According to him, Lar’s leadership prowess has had a positive impact on the ivory tower, potentially improving areas such as academic programmes, faculty morale, and overall institutional operations.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, in February this year, sacked Prof. Aisha Maikudi as substantive Vice Chancellor of the university and appointed Prof. Lar in acting capacity.

In a statement yesterday, the academic noted that the return to normalcy and stability could also enhance the university’s reputation and attract more students and faculty members.

While warning those he described as ‘champions of religious bias’ to desist from their nefarious act, Musa called on staff to take advantage of its strategic position, cosmopolitan nature, vast land and rich manpower to position the learning institution for greatness.

His words: “Upon assumption of duty on the 12th of February 2025, the acting Vice Chancellor conducted a campus-wide familiarisation tour of all faculties, directorates, units and hostels. This availed her the opportunity to hear directly from academic and non-academic staff of the university. The interaction unearthed numerous complaints that included favouritism in promotion exercises, lopsided appointments, massive employment without recourse to Federal Character, selective disciplinary actions, accommodation racketeering, etc.

“Another worrisome situation observed since the inception of the tenure of the acting Vice-Chancellor is the years of suppression of the student union government and very boring campus life. Students’ freedom was eroded, and a parliamentary system of government was conceived by the then management and imposed on the students instead of the presidential system.

“The e-voting system was compromised and oftentimes, key leadership positions were handpicked. Students were oppressed and lacked the courage to express themselves freely. Different student bodies have interacted with the acting Vice-Chancellor, and they are unanimous in their desire that a credible student union government should be guaranteed in Yakubu Gowon University.”

He added: “There were also numerous instances of deserving academic and non-academic staff who were denied promotion for between four and seven years. This dampened the morale of these staff and invariably affected their overall output and performance. This sad event is being investigated by the acting VC to correct the ills of favouritism.”

Musa praised the Acting Vice-Chancellor for engaging with various university groups, promoting peaceful resolution to conflicts, and encouraging dialogue over litigation.

This approach, he stressed, reflects her efforts to foster a harmonious academic environment at the institution.