Some staff of the Federal Ministry of Education have explained some of the underlying issues that led to the removal of Prof Tahir Mamman by President Bola Tinubu as the head of the ministry.
Mamman was sacked together with four others on Wednesday via a press statement issued by The Presidency.
The four other sacked ministers are Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development; Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development.
Speaking to The Bureau Newspaper on condition of anonymity, a source from the ministry said the sacking of Tahir Mamman was unconnected with his refusal to pay the salary arrears of some workers in the ministry.
The source said, “It was in the news about a month or two ago that the Minister was one of the least performing Ministers in the present cabinet. Many years of arrears are not paid despite several promises among others.”
“It might be part of it because, on two different occasions, the affected staff protested in the Ministry with empty promises from the Minister,” the source added.
The source also mentioned that the former minister’s involvement in the plot to impose the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Maikudi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor was also connected to his removal.
The source added: “Appointment of unqualified VC as you pointed out could also be part of the sack. I strongly believe that by the time the news of illegal elongation gets to the public, it will be a great eye opener to the long rot in the Ministry.”
The Bureau Newspaper had reported how the Governing Council of the University of Abuja was attempting to impose Prof. Aisha Maikudi as its substantive Vice-Chancellor despite the fact the she is not qualified.
This newspaper had learnt that Tahir Mamman was behind the plot during his time as the minister.
According to sources, the council relaxed the qualification standards for the position to pave the way for Prof. Maikudi’s appointment.
The move has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the selection process.
According to multiple university sources who spoke to The Bureau Newspaper, the plot to install Prof. Aisha Maikudi as Vice Chancellor is being orchestrated by the immediate past VC, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah.
Sources claimed Prof. Na’Allah seeks to repay a debt of gratitude to Prof. Maikudi’s father, who helped him secure the VC position five years ago despite significant opposition.
Further investigation by The Bureau Newspaper revealed that the university council’s advertisement for the VC position omitted the typical minimum post-professorial experience requirement.
This omission reportedly enables Prof. Maikudi, who became a professor in 2022, to be eligible for the role.