Amidst accusations of favouritism levelled against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the appointment of Prof Muhammed Akanbi as the new helmsman of the Kwara State University (KWASU), revelations have emerged on how the Professor of Business law eventually won the coveted seat.
The accusations against the government by the people of Kwara North were that he also has started marginalising the district by denying them the VC position in favour of his kinsman.
But interviews with top sources at the ivory tower revealed that the Ag. VC and the number one choice of the Kwara North, Prof Saka Mahmoud, lost the position on account of his age.
Mahmoud appears to be another victim of the wave of global generational shift in choice of managers in the corporate and academic world, a top professor told this medium.
“He truly came first on the shortlist but he eventually didn’t make it majorly on account of his age. KWASU is a young university in outlook and population. It is considered odd to have somebody too old to drive it at this time. This has nothing to do with where he comes from. It doesn’t seem that this Governor suffers such (regional) complex yet. We wanted somebody more agile and better attuned with new thinking.”
Asked why another Kwara northerner Professor Issa Gana was not considered, another source said the incumbent ambassador could have been picked in place of Mahmoud but “spoilt the show by not appearing before the interview board. Yes he applied and was considered but he never appeared for interview. That was his undoing.”
“The university council couldn’t consider him for the position on the ground of absence at the final interview and that’s a sound ground for not picking him. Picking him could have led to litigation,” he added.
The source said this development naturally gave the hotly contested slot to Prof Muhammed Akanbi as the new Vice chancellor.
A senior lecturer in KWASU, who spoke on anonymity, said Prof Akanbi was God’s choice. He said he pitied Governor Abdulrazaq in the face of “unmerited criticism”.
“I have read several opinions online accusing the council of unfairness in the selection process. That is not true. They played by the book all through which is the only fair thing to do. It is just a pity they would not be able to avoid the stick on assumptions that they chose the governor’s kinsman. The emergence of Professor Akanbi is ordained by God,” he said.
While also speaking with this medium, the Alumni President, Abdulquadri Aliyu Fodio, urged the public to let the matter die a natural death in the interest of peace and unity. Fodio said he is looking forward to working with the new VC.
He added: “Today, many of us can proudly talk about Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah’s achievements. Of course he didn’t do it all alone; I would just advise that the new VC brings all units to the table and let them see the need for us to work in synergies. As for me, I would give my total support to the one God has chosen and we will ensure that we maintain the academic integrity of KWASU. We should all rally round him, give him the necessary support; that way we can have a better institution.”