Suspension: How Ambassador Idris Waziri Saved TSU VC Prof Bako

What was expected to be the final day in office for the Vice-Chancellor of Taraba State University (TSU), Professor Sunday Bako, turned into a moment of reprieve as Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, made a last-minute reversal on his plan to immediately overhaul the university's management.

At a meeting with members of the University Governing Council and striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), TSU Chapter, the governor confirmed that he had initially resolved to dissolve the entire management of the institution and appoint a new team to address the recurring industrial actions disrupting academic activities.

The governor disclosed that his decision to reconsider the immediate overhaul came minutes before the meeting, largely following pleas from stakeholders, particularly the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Idris Waziri.

Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper had earlier exclusively reported that Governor Kefas was considering drastic measures, including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor and dissolution of the Governing Council, over persistent strikes and alleged administrative lapses within the institution.

Addressing the meeting, a visibly displeased Governor Kefas expressed frustration over the frequent strikes, noting that they have negatively affected students' academic progress and wellbeing.

"The reason I called this meeting is that I am already tired. We cannot continue walking against ourselves. If I decide to take the step I have in mind, it will not be good for some people," the governor said.

He stated that his initial response to the ongoing strike was to "take the bull by the horn" by overhauling the university's management, describing it as the only viable option to end the cycle of industrial unrest.

"We cannot continue to subject our children to this up-and-down lifestyle. It is very painful. The school needs an overhaul," he added.

Governor Kefas said the only reason he stepped back from dissolving the management was out of respect for the Chairman of the Governing Council.

"I am the Visitor to the university, and I can go to war if I choose to. But I have to respect my senior brother here. He cannot be appointed chairman and then I mess him up," he said.

The governor, however, reiterated that overhauling the institution's management remains an option, stressing that prolonged dialogue has not yielded the desired results.

"For me, I still think the best thing is to overhaul. We have been talking, and the strikes continue," he said.

He further disclosed that his administration would set up a team to profile staff of the university in the interest of transparency and accountability.

According to him, Taraba State University should be self-sustaining, noting that the state government currently bears 100 per cent responsibility for staff salaries.

"You cannot generate revenue only from school fees. The government is paying all the salaries, yet what we get is strike after strike. I am very unhappy with the way the university is being run," he said.

In his response, Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Idris Waziri, commended the governor for halting the immediate dismissal of the university management, describing the decision as statesmanlike.

"Your Excellency, I am fasting, but what you did today made me feel like I am not fasting at all. I will continue to promote and defend you," Waziri said.

He affirmed the university's support for Governor Kefas and pledged the institution's backing for the governor's continuity in the 2027 governorship election.

Ambassador Waziri emphasized the importance of education, noting that public office holders owe their positions to the education they received.

He revealed that several meetings held prior to the strike failed to yield results and stressed that Governor Kefas inherited challenges he did not create. He also decried the state of the university before the governor assumed office, saying the institution was "left in darkness."