Jega Calls for Transparent University Leadership Selection to Strengthen Nigeria’s Higher Education

Professor Attahiru Jega has emphasized the urgent need for transparent, competitive, and merit-based processes in appointing university leaders. He said selections must be guided by clear criteria such as academic records, leadership experience, and professional integrity.

He warned that without major reforms, political interference would continue weakening Nigerian universities and limiting their ability to produce innovative, globally competitive graduates.

The lecture was held in honour of the late Professor Abdullahi Mahadi, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU), whose contributions to scholarship and leadership were widely celebrated.

Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate, praised GSU for sustaining the Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture. He described it as a worthy tribute to the late pioneer Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Pate also commended GSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Yauta, and the management team for maintaining the tradition, noting the difficulty of sustaining such initiatives in Nigerian universities.

He described Professor Jega as highly qualified to speak on the lecture theme, citing his deep experience in university governance and his long-standing relationship with the late Mahadi.

Reflecting on Mahadi’s legacy, Professor Pate said the late scholar left behind a remarkable record of service and institutional development at GSU and beyond.

The event attracted academics, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau. Participants described the lecture as timely and impactful for shaping the future of university governance in Nigeria.