Ex-Minister Shittu Talks About Appointment As Varsity Governing Council Chairman, Says He Didn’t Lobby For It

Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, who served as Minister of Communications during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, has commented on his appointment as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Dave Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State, clarifying and asserting that he did not lobby for it.

 Shittu, who noted that although he was expecting something ‘bigger’, added that he has however 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.

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’ he said.

The former minister added that the new role will however  offer him a new experience and insight into the beauty of the South-East.

‘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’ he added-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you