VC Race Intensifies at Four Nigerian Universities Amidst Eligibility Disputes

The race to select new Vice-Chancellors is heating up across four prominent Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University (LASU), the University of Jos, and Abia State University.

As search committees and Joint Council and Senate Selection Boards are established to oversee the formal selection processes, the competition for these top academic positions is already marked by politicking and controversy. Disputes over eligibility criteria are emerging as different interest groups push their preferred candidates and seek to disqualify others.

At LASU, the process for selecting the 10th Vice-Chancellor has sparked debate over the required years of professorial experience. While some academics argue for a minimum of 10 years, LASU Registrar Emmanuel Fanu defended the current advertisement, stating that no law specifies this duration. He clarified that "several years" could mean one, two, four, or more, and that the advertisement was approved by the Joint Council and Senate. The university operates under a law where the governor, as Visitor, appoints the Vice-Chancellor.

The search for the 14th Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ibadan also began earlier this year, with applications now closed. The incumbent, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, is set to complete his tenure in November 2026. Despite applications closing, the university's search team is reportedly encouraging eligible staff to apply, anticipating that the contest will gain momentum, as UI Vice-Chancellor selections have historically involved intense lobbying and controversy.

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There is no written law that stipulates 10 years and above. It is an unwritten law. The law of LASU stipulates that the governor, as the Visitor, appoints the Vice-Chancellor.