Ex-Minister Shittu Opens Up On His Unexpected University Appointment

Shittu Denies Seeking University Role Amid Speculation

Naija News brings you the story of Adebayo Shittu, a former minister of communications under President Muhammadu Buhari, who has now been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Ebonyi State. But here's the twist—Shittu insists he didn’t chase this position. In fact, he claims he wasn’t even expecting it. The appointment by President Bola Tinubu has sparked some chatter, with rumors flying around that it might have been a consolation prize for those not included in Tinubu’s ministerial lineup. Let’s dive deeper into what Shittu has to say about it.

Clearing the Air on Lobbying Claims

Shittu didn’t hold back when addressing the allegations that he lobbied for the role. He said, “I could not have lobbied to become pro-chancellor of the university. Let me paint a clearer picture for you. I served as a minister for four years, and before that, I held two commissioner roles at the age of 30. Back in 1983, I was the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information, and Culture in the larger Oyo State. Fast forward to 2007, and I was the Attorney General of Oyo State. With such a long and illustrious career, I assure you, I didn’t need to lobby for this position.”

A Role That Came as a Surprise

Shittu admitted that the appointment caught him off guard, but he wasn’t about to turn it down. “It was an appointment I wasn’t expecting, but I accepted it with gratitude. You see, I was hoping for more executive roles where I could leverage my nearly 45 years of political and professional experience. But when this opportunity came my way, I embraced it wholeheartedly, determined to make the most of it.”

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Not Exactly What He Had in Mind

According to The PUNCH, Shittu confessed that the position wasn’t exactly what he envisioned for himself. He shared, “It wasn’t what I expected from the government. I was hoping for a more hands-on, executive role where I could fully utilize my skills, ideas, and expertise. But when I received the appointment, I saw it as an opportunity to excel in managing the university, which, by the way, is nestled right in the heart of Igboland.”

Overcoming Initial Concerns

Shittu initially had reservations about relocating to the South-East, thanks to all the negative buzz around security issues. But after spending some time in Ebonyi, he has a completely different perspective. He said, “I was honestly scared about moving to the South-East because of all the negative reports about insecurity. But let me tell you, Ebonyi is a gem. Every time I head there for meetings, it feels like coming home. It’s a beautiful place, and the state is surprisingly peaceful—maybe even more tranquil than some other states in Igboland.”

A Determined Leader

Shittu is all in when it comes to his new role. He expressed, “I’m really content and thrilled with this opportunity. The university’s management has been absolutely fantastic in collaborating with me and the governing council. I’m fully committed to doing my best to ensure that this university grows exponentially. We’re going to take it to new heights, no doubt about that.”

Meta Description: Ex-Minister Adebayo Shittu opens up about his unexpected appointment as Pro-Chancellor at Dave Umahi Federal University in Ebonyi State, addressing speculation and sharing his vision for the institution's growth.