Kebbi varsity VC resigns over interference, lack of independence

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State, Professor Ismaila A. Mungadi, has resigned from office, citing recent developments that made it difficult for him to effectively discharge his mandate.

Mungadi announced his resignation in a letter dated August 28, 2026, addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council.

A copy of the letter was obtained by our correspondent on Friday.

In the letter titled, “Resignation from Appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero,” Mungadi said his resignation took effect on Friday, August 28, 2026.

He explained that he accepted the appointment with a clear mandate to stabilise the university, strengthen its governance processes, restore confidence and academic integrity, and facilitate its transition to substantive leadership.

“I accepted the appointment with a clear understanding of the mandate entrusted to me: to stabilize the University, strengthen its governance processes, restore confidence and academic integrity, and facilitate its transition to substantive leadership,” he stated.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor said he had devoted himself fully to the responsibility since assuming office and had worked with members of the university community and other stakeholders to make considerable progress within the period available.

He, however, said recent developments had increasingly made it difficult for him to perform his responsibilities with the level of independence, effectiveness and institutional harmony he considered necessary.

“Developments in recent weeks have increasingly made it difficult for me to discharge the mandate with the independence, effectiveness and institutional harmony that I believe are necessary for its successful accomplishment,” Mungadi said.

According to him, he made efforts to address the emerging challenges through the appropriate structures but eventually concluded that he could no longer satisfactorily achieve the objectives for which he accepted the appointment.

“I have made sincere efforts to work through the appropriate structures and to seek resolution of the emerging challenges. Regrettably, I have come to the considered conclusion that, under the prevailing circumstances, I may no longer be able to satisfactorily accomplish the objectives for which I accepted the appointment,” he said.

Mungadi further said remaining in office when he was unable to effectively discharge the mandate entrusted to him would not be in the best interest of the university.

“For me, remaining in office when I am unable to effectively discharge the mandate entrusted to me would not be in the best interest of the University. I therefore consider resignation the most appropriate course of action,” he stated.

Despite his resignation, the professor said he remained committed to the progress of the university and the developmental aspirations of Kebbi State.

He expressed appreciation to the Visitor and the Kebbi State Government for the confidence reposed in him, as well as members of the Governing Council, staff, students and other members of the university community for their cooperation during his tenure.

Mungadi also assured the Governing Council that he would ensure an orderly handover of the affairs of the university and remain available to facilitate a smooth transition.

The resignation comes at a critical period for the relatively new university, with the outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor urging that the gains already recorded be consolidated and that the institution continue on the path of stability, academic excellence and institutional integrity.