Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja, is embroiled in controversy over Professor Jibrin Edicha Abdullahi. He is accused of remaining the head of the Geography Department while on a one-year sabbatical at the National Defence College.
In his application dated September 27, 2024, Abdullahi stated he would research geo-strategy and supervise officers at the College. This application was approved on October 7, 2024. However, allegations have surfaced that instead of focusing on his research, he has been “harassing people and chairing disciplinary committee meetings” at the university, alarming both students and faculty.
Concerns have also been raised about the university’s governance and the influence of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah. Critics argue that Abdullahi’s promotion and continued role as HoD, despite being on sabbatical, raises serious questions about accountability. The university community is urging Abdullahi to clarify these allegations.
One source within the university remarked, “It’s unclear how the Head of an Academic Department could apply for a sabbatical without resigning first. This situation has been referred to as ‘Aisha’s Magic,’ hinting at the influence of the former acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aisha Maikudi.”
When contacted, Prof. Abdullahi denied the allegations, stating he left the department in January. “I am not the current Head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. I haven’t been to the university for the past three weeks,” he asserted.
University spokesperson Dr. Habib Yakoob declined to comment, saying, “I don’t have any comment on this matter at the moment.”
