Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has expressed concern over the impact of expensive legal disputes and the garnishment of over N2.5 billion, which have significantly hindered the effective functioning of the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kabir Bala, revealed this during the 44th Convocation Ceremony held on Saturday at Mamman Kontagora Square, located within ABU’s Main Campus in Samaru, Zaria.
He explained that ABU, like many other universities in Nigeria, faces financial constraints that challenge its ability to maintain and modernize its activities and operations.
Prof. Bala specifically highlighted the National Industrial Court’s decision to garnish the university’s Central Bank account for the sum of N2.585 billion as a key issue.
He expressed disappointment that the garnished account included third-party funds such as local and international research grants and money belonging to various units of the university supported by external organizations.
The Vice-Chancellor further noted that the account also contained funds designated for TETFUND projects, academic programs, and foreign scholars.
He explained that the garnishment has severely affected operations that rely on additional expenditures, including sanitation, electricity, and other essential utilities.
Prof. Bala urged all stakeholders to collaborate and devise innovative strategies to ensure the smooth running of the university.
Earlier, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale-Ahmed, stated that Nigeria’s university system faces multiple challenges, particularly in funding, governance, and management.
He advocated for financial autonomy and reduced bureaucratic interference to ensure the university continues to serve as a hub for intellectual discourse and innovation.
The university’s Chancellor, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, encouraged the graduating students to embrace the opportunities of the 21st century, which he described as an era of digital and social transformation.
The 44th convocation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 21,952 graduates for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Out of the total number of graduates, 5,756 earned postgraduate degrees, while 16,196 were awarded bachelor’s degrees.
