There is growing uncertainty at Taraba State University (TSU) following reports alleging that Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has suspended the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, and dissolved its Governing Council.
The reports, which circulated over the weekend via social media and a local publication, also claimed that a Sole Administrator was to be appointed to oversee the university’s affairs.
However, Professor Bako and the Taraba State Commissioner for Tertiary Education have both denied any knowledge of such action, insisting that no official communication has been received.
Reacting to the publication, Professor Bako said he was surprised to learn of the alleged suspension online.
“I am not aware of any suspension. I have not received any letter to that effect. I saw the report on social media and called the Commissioner, but he is not aware either. I don’t know where the author of the publication got his information from,” he said.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, attempts to verify the claim through appropriate government channels yielded no confirmation, casting doubt on the authenticity of the report.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Taraba State Government confirming the purported suspension or dissolution of the Governing Council.
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), TSU chapter, has distanced itself from the controversy.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Joshua Garba Mbave, the union described the report as “false, misleading and malicious,” particularly claims that ASUU representatives were present at a meeting where the suspension was allegedly decided.
“ASUU wishes to unequivocally state that at no time was the union invited to, nor did it participate in, any meeting with the Taraba State Government where such decisions were taken or discussed. Any report suggesting otherwise is false, misleading, malicious and capable of bringing the union into disrepute,” the statement read.
The union demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from the media organisation that published the report.
Dr. Mbave emphasised that the governance and administration of TSU are guided by Law No. 4 of 2008, which established the institution and clearly outlines procedures for the appointment and removal of principal officers.
According to him, the law does not grant unilateral powers to any authority to suspend a principal officer, dissolve the Governing Council, or appoint a Sole Administrator outside statutory provisions.
“Any action taken outside these statutory provisions is ultra vires, null and void, and of no effect,” he stated.
ASUU-TSU further clarified that its ongoing industrial dispute with the state government is unrelated to the alleged suspension.
 The union listed its grievances to include the absence of a functional pension scheme for university staff, non payment of outstanding 2022 salaries, accumulated earned academic allowances, and implementation of the newly negotiated 2025 ASUU–FGN agreement effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Mbave called on Governor Kefas to urgently address these concerns to restore industrial harmony and resume academic activities.
He also expressed concern that within two years, the government had constituted two separate staff screening and verification committees, along with a Visitation Panel, yet their reports have neither been made public nor implemented.
“This failure has left the university community in a state of uncertainty and raises serious questions as to why government has refused or neglected to act on the outcomes of its own investigative mechanisms,” Mbave added.
As speculation continues, Professor Bako remains in office, maintaining that no formal directive has been issued regarding his suspension.
