EXCLUSIVE: Controversy Mounts At University Of Abuja As HOD On Sabbatical Leave Is Accused Of Illegally Retaining Position, Chairing Meetings

Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja, has become embroiled in another controversy. Professor Jibrin Edicha Abdullahi has been accused of remaining the head of the Geography Department despite being on a one-year sabbatical at the National Defence College.

According to documents obtained by SaharaReporters, Abdullahi’s promotion from Associate Professor to Professor was backdated to October 1, 2020, by the former Vice Chancellor, Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah.

This irregularity has raised eyebrows, particularly since Abdullahi was reappointed as the Head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science for a two-year term starting from July 31, 2023.

Sources within the university have revealed that Abdullahi applied for a one-year sabbatical leave without resigning from his position as Head of Department.

In his application letter, dated September 27, 2024, Abdullahi stated that he would research Geo-strategy and supervise officers…