By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Concerns over ethnicity, merit, and federal character have emerged at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, following reports of an intense cold war surrounding the ongoing vice-chancellorship succession process.The controversy centres on claims that the proposed succession could see Prof. Gbenga Ibileye, an Okun-Yoruba academic, replace the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi—also an Okun-Yoruba from the same village, Ekinrin-Adde. Critics argue that such an outcome risks deepening ethnic tension and undermining confidence in the leadership selection process. A senior academic and former contender for the position, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned that leadership succession in federal institutions must go beyond personal or ethnic considerations. He described the vice-chancellorship as a public trust governed by law, merit, equity, and the broader principles of national inclusion.
According to the professor, federal universities operate under the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and related regulations, which emphasise transparent, competitive processes and adherence to the spirit of federal character. While the law does not explicitly allocate positions based on ethnicity, it seeks to prevent the concentration of leadership within narrow interests.The source argued that the issue is not the ethnicity of any individual candidate, but the pattern such a succession would reinforce. Kogi State is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Igala, Ebira, and Okun-Yoruba, all of whom have contributed to the establishment and growth of the university.“
To have two consecutive vice chancellors from the same minority subgroup, the same ethnic bloc, and reportedly the same village raises serious ethical and nation-building concerns,” the source said.The academic also pointed to widespread public discussions alleging that Prof. Ibileye may not be the most academically distinguished or experienced among the contenders, but may have benefited from political connections. Although these claims remain unproven, he stressed that perception alone can damage institutional credibility.“
In governance, perception shapes legitimacy. A vice chancellor perceived as a product of political patronage rather than transparent merit begins office with a trust deficit,” he noted.He further warned that leadership homogeneity in universities can undermine staff morale, breed resentment, and weaken institutional cohesion. In contrast, a transparent process that prioritises merit and diversity would strengthen FUL’s national standing and internal harmony.
The source also cautioned against viewing the situation as a victory for any ethnic group, noting that sustainable inclusion is achieved through fairness, not monopolisation of opportunities.“ The vice-chancellorship is not hereditary, nor a reward for proximity to power. It is a competitive national appointment meant to serve students, staff, and the Nigerian project,” he added. He called on the Governing Council of Federal University Lokoja, the Federal Ministry of Education, and other oversight bodies to resist political or ethnic pressure and ensure a transparent, merit-driven process.The unfolding situation has sparked debate within academic and public circles, with many urging authorities to uphold equity, federal character, and institutional integrity in the final decision.
