Adebayo Shittu, a former Minister of Communications under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has denied lobbying for his new appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Ebonyi State.
Shittu was among the individuals recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu to lead governing councils of federal universities across the country. However, his appointment has sparked discussions, with some suggesting that those chosen may have influenced the decision after missing out on ministerial positions in Tinubu’s administration.
Addressing these claims, Shittu stated that he never made any effort to secure the appointment. Instead, he noted that it came as a surprise to him, but he accepted it with gratitude.
“I could not have lobbied to become pro-chancellor of the university. I was a minister for four years. Before that, I had been commissioner twice at age 30. That was in 1983. I was a Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture in the larger Oyo State.
“And in 2007, I was Attorney General of Oyo State before becoming minister. So, I could not have lobbied. I wanted more executive positions where I could use my experience over the years, almost 45 years, political experiences and so on. But when I got this appointment, I took it in my stride, and I’m putting in my best to justify it.”
Shittu further explained that while he initially hoped for an executive role that would better utilize his experience, he now sees his current position as an opportunity to contribute to the university’s development.
“It was not what I expected from the government. I expected a more executive position where I could use my brain, ideas and dynamics. But when it came, I saw it as an opportunity to also excel in managing that university which, unexpectedly, is in the heart of Igboland.”
Speaking on his initial concerns about relocating to the South-East due to security reports, the former minister noted that he has found Ebonyi State to be peaceful and welcoming.
“I had been so scared about moving to the South-East in view of a lot of negative reports about insecurity. But I find Ebonyi a very wonderful place. Anytime I’m going there for meetings, I see it as homecoming. It is a beautiful place, and the state is particularly very peaceful, more peaceful perhaps than some other states in Igboland.
“So, I’m okay and happy. The management of the university has been very wonderful in cooperating and collaborating with me and the governing council. I’m determined to do my best to ensure that that university grows by leaps and bounds.”
