A coalition representing the youth of Taraba State has issued a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging his immediate intervention in the escalating leadership crisis at the Federal University Wukari (FUW).
An Open Letter to Avert Instability
In an open letter dated Saturday, 10 January 2026, the group, led by Adamu Musa, warned that the controversy surrounding the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor and University Librarian poses a serious threat. They cautioned that without prompt resolution, the situation could destabilise the academic institution and jeopardise the hard-earned peace in Taraba State.
The youths acknowledged the significant positive impact of FUW since its establishment by the Federal Government. They highlighted that the university has drastically cut the financial and social strain on local families. Before its existence, parents were forced to send their children to distant states like Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Lagos, and Enugu for tertiary education.
Accessible Education Under Threat
The coalition described the university as a triumph of people-oriented governance, making higher education accessible, especially for low-income households. It also allows parents to easily visit and monitor their children's welfare. However, they allege that recent actions by the institution's Pro-Chancellor have sown seeds of tension and uncertainty.
The core of the dispute, according to the letter, is the Pro-Chancellor's announcement to suspend the Vice-Chancellor selection process. This decision was reportedly based on an alleged directive from the Minister of Education to halt the process and appoint an acting Vice-Chancellor. The youths pointed out that no such ministerial directive has been made public, raising serious questions about the motive behind the suspension.
A Call for Transparency to Preserve Peace
The group expressed deep anxiety among Taraba's peace-loving residents, fearing that the lingering crisis could degenerate into avoidable chaos. They reminded all parties of the state's history of peaceful coexistence and tolerance, noting that Taraba has previously accepted and supported non-indigenous Vice-Chancellors and top officials. This includes the recently appointed Chief Medical Director of the Federal University Wukari Teaching Hospital.
Emphasising the urgency of the matter, the coalition made a final plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They called on him to step in swiftly to ensure the transparent resumption of the Vice-Chancellor selection process. Their ultimate goal is to safeguard the peace, stability, and educational progress that the Federal University Wukari represents for the people of Taraba State.
