Federal University VC orders probe of recruitment, payments, admissions under predecessor in Katsina

The Federal University, Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, has constituted audit committee to review staff recruitment, salary underpayments and complaints on admissions during the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. James Ayatse.

The incumbent Vice Chancellor Prof. Haruna Kaita made the disclosure on Tuesday in Dutsin-ma while briefing newsmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kaita was appointed as FUDMA VC about four months ago after the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Ayatse.

Kaita said that the decision to set up the committee was a sequel to petitions received from the public against the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university.

“My intention is to draw a margin on what happened in the past.

“However, I received several petitions from within and outside the university community on staff appointments, underpayments of staff and admissions during the tenure of my predecessor.

“So, I decided to set up audit committee to look into the issues raised and find out whether due processes were followed or not before we take a further decision,’’ he said.

Kaita explained that laid down criteria must be followed before appointment or admission into the institution.

He assured that his administration would ensure justice to all and adhere strictly to due process to avoid a repeat of what happened in the past.

The VC explained that the institution was faced with a paucity of funds, the problem of the power supply and insufficient water supply.

He said that the university which required N6 million monthly for the purchase of fuel, receive N4 million as overhead.

He said that the university, with a population of 2, 400 students, has six faculties and 21 departments.

He said that 11 students graduated with first class degrees during the maiden convocation.

The VC promised that he would ensure adequate security at the university’s permanent site before relocating there to avoid a repeat of Chibok incident, as the site shares a border with the notorious Rugu forest. 

[NAN]