Stakeholders of Research Institute across Nigeria on Friday declared support for the Director General/CEO, of the Forestry Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) Dr. Zachariah Buba Yaduma’s leadership.
In a statement jointly issued on Friday April 25, 2025, the conglomeration of unions which comprises – Representatives of the Academic Staff Union of Colleges of Agriculture (ASUCA), Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), Senior Staff Association (SSA), and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of FRIN Colleges, gave the support while reacting to report linking the unions to a protest allegedly staged by some Ibadan-based union members, calling for the removal of the Director-General.
The stakeholders while distancing themselves from protest and divers allegations against Yaduma, expressed confidence in his leadership and called for maximum support for the FRIN helmsman.
The stakeholders emphasised that FRIN has witnessed remarkable turnaround under Dr. Yaduma’s leadership.
The statement reads partly: “The report, based on a protest allegedly staged by some Ibadan-based union members, calls for the removal of the Director General, Zachariah Buba Yaduma, PhD.
“We hereby categorically disassociate ourselves from these allegations and the protest action, which do not reflect the reality across the FRIN system or the sentiments of the majority of staff across the various campuses. These claims are not only baseless and misleading, but they also aim to tarnish the image of a visionary leader who has brought transformative progress to the Institute since his appointment in March 2023,” they said.
On research and academic development, the group said policy-driven research, meaningful collaborations, and capacity development initiatives have been implemented across all departments under Dr. Yaduma’s leadership.
“These achievements are not speculative but are verifiable and well-documented,” the group said.
On staff welfare and infrastructure, the group said it is misleading to blame Dr. Yaduma’s administration for systemic infrastructural issues that have existed for decades.
“Since assuming office, he has prioritized staff welfare and actively engaged relevant ministries and partners toward improving electricity, water supply, and facility upgrades across all campuses.
“The issue of promotion arrears predates the current administration. However, efforts have been intensified under Dr. Yaduma to resolve lingering personnel matters transparently and fairly. Staff are encouraged to seek clarification from HR and Finance offices instead of spreading misinformation
“Accusations of abuse of office or disregard for the enabling Act are entirely unfounded.
“Dr. Yaduma has conducted his duties in line with institutional mandates, meritocratic values, and inclusive leadership. Necessary reforms aimed at aligning FRIN with global standards may have ruffled some entrenched interests, but they are in the best interest of the Institute.
“While we uphold the right of staff to peaceful expression, actions that disrupt academic and research activities—such as locking gates or misinforming the public—do not serve the collective interest of FRIN. Such conduct only undermines institutional integrity and jeopardizes ongoing reforms,” the group said.
The stakeholders equally urged the Honourable Minister of Environment, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the calls for his removal and instead lend full support to the transformation currently underway at FRIN.