Nuhu Yaqub, UNI-Abuja and reality
However, two things prompted this intervention. One is the need to challenge what is increasingly becoming Yaqub`s desperation to depict himself as some high flying university administrator. The other is the need to set the records straight, given that Yaqub deliberately glossed over, skirted around and conveniently ignored facts. But then, those who thrive in […]
However, two things prompted this intervention. One is the need to challenge what is increasingly becoming Yaqub`s desperation to depict himself as some high flying university administrator. The other is the need to set the records straight, given that Yaqub deliberately glossed over, skirted around and conveniently ignored facts. But then, those who thrive in pulling the wool over others` eyes are wont to resort to distortion, misinformation and selective amnesia.
In the said interview, the ex- vice chancellor made the patently false claim that his successor was planning to “grant amnesty” to some students he, Yaqub, expelled for cultism. Indeed, he has often laid profuse claims to fighting cultism while he was V. C.
The truth is that Yaqub himself created, nurtured and sustained the menace of confusion at the University of Abuja – through his actions, antics and inaction. Three years prior to Yaqub`s assumption as V. C. , this writer ( then president of the students union ), had, with the full backing of and collaboration with the police, the State Security Service and the university security unit, effectively extirpated and rooted out cultism at the University of Abuja. The identified kingpins and dozens of suspected members were rounded up, their hide-outs raided, while the remnants were encouraged to come out and confess. An elaborate ceremony was specifically organized for that purpose and was adequately covered by the media. That was in 2001.
No sooner had Yaqub come than he re-instated some of the expelled students. Also, against wise counsel and as a fundamental departure from tradition, the admission exercise for that session (2005/2006) saw the university open its gate to a deluge of students ( by far exceeding capacity ) many of whom were of shady characters, elements with criminal and in disciplinary records elsewhere, and indeed every Tom, Dick and Harry.
To compound the problem, Yaqub elected to live in self-delusion that everything was o.k. He ignored series of warnings and security reports to the effect that the school was being taken over by cultists. This went on for over two years during which the university became a haven for dangerous and criminal elements. Things became so dire that students could not cross from the hostels to the classroom areas after dusk. Robbery, mugging and theft became a way of life in Gwagwalada, particularly quarters areas where virtually every household was a victim. Even churches situated close to the mini campus were forced to close by nightfall.
Not even the shooting in the eye of one Olusola, a Mathematics student, could rouse Yaqub from his slumber. What happened later was an unprecedented gun duel at the Atlas Hotel between members of Black Axe and Eiye Confraternity, which later spread to several areas of Gwagwalada and which resulted in several casualties.
It must be stated that Yaqub`s much-hyped fight against cult goons was generally uncoordinated, over-personalized and generally characterized by arbitrariness, tunnel- visioned approaches, saber-rattling and grandstanding. In most cases grandiose rhetoric became a convenient substitute for action, while appearance and make-belief, rather than substance, suffice for the main thing. But then, that is essential Nuhu Yaqub
It is also an indisputable fact that despite Yaqub`s boasts cultists continued to operate throughout his tenure. At least, one death due to cult activities was recorded for every year of his reign. No such incident had ever happened before then – and since.
One wonders where Yaqub got the idea that his successor planned to recall expelled cultists, because no such plan was ever mooted or so much as contemplated, and the University had over a month before the interview dismissed any suggestion in that regard.
Perhaps, the ex-V.C. is not comfortable that some decisions he took are being reviewed. One of such was the illegal expulsion of the president, vice president and speaker of the students union for leading a peaceful protest following the death of a student due to the poor state of facilities and services at the university’s clinic. Indeed, Yaqub exhibited uncommon high-handedness in dealing with students leaders. He appears to have a compulsive phobia for independent, democratic students` unionism. He met a vibrant, robust and flourishing students` union culture on ground, but systematically sabotaged and emasculated it. His was arguably the worst form of assault and repression on students` unionism in the post-military era: on three occasions he expelled students leaders, then eventually banned students union activities altogether.
Yaqub`s diatribe on ASUU is, to say the least, unfortunate. Coming from a senior academic, a former branch chairman, and one who was plucked by ASUU Abuja chapter from far away Sokoto and supported all through, his denunciation of the very union that made him what he is today, smacks of betrayal and hypocrisy. But then, opportunism and posturing, rather than principles, are the main driving force for these “pragmatic” establishment professors. It is not difficult to see that Yaqub knows very well that ASUU`s struggles have not been bread and butter affair. He simply said what he said just to ingratiate himself with the powers that be, and position himself for political recruitment.
Professor Nuhu Yaqub reserves the right to say whatever he wants, but henceforth whatever he says and does will not go unchallenged.
Kari was a President of the University of Abuja Students Union. He now teaches Sociology at the university.