The Coalition of Taraba Youths has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the ongoing leadership crisis at the Federal University, Wukari (FUW) in Taraba State.
In an open letter addressed to the president on Saturday, the group expressed concern that the dispute surrounding the selection of a new vice-chancellor, if not promptly resolved, could destabilize both the university and the state.
While commending the federal government for establishing the institution, the youth group highlighted the university’s role in reducing the financial and social burden on families, many of whom previously had to send their children to states such as Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Lagos, and Enugu for higher education.
They noted that the presence of the university has made tertiary education more accessible, particularly for low-income families, while allowing parents to monitor the welfare of their children more easily.
Describing the university as a “clear example of good governance and people-oriented policy,” the coalition alleged that recent actions by the pro-chancellor, particularly regarding the selection of a new vice-chancellor and university librarian, have created tension and uncertainty within the institution and the wider community.
The group’s leader, Adamu Musa, in the letter claimed that the pro-chancellor suspended the vice-chancellor selection process, citing an alleged directive from the minister of education to halt the process and appoint an acting vice-chancellor, a directive the group said has not been made public.
“These developments have generated anxiety among the peace-loving people of Taraba State and raised concerns about possible unrest,” the letter stated, questioning the motive behind the suspension and warning that the situation could lead to avoidable chaos if not promptly addressed.
The coalition emphasized Taraba State’s history of peaceful coexistence and support for non-indigenous university officials, including the recently appointed chief medical director of the Federal University Wukari Teaching Hospital.
The letter concluded by appealing to Tinubu to intervene swiftly and ensure that the vice-chancellor selection process continues transparently, in order to preserve peace and stability in the state.
