PROF HAGHER STEPS DOWN AS APPUN CHAIRMAN, TO RUN FOR 2019 PRESIDENTIAL SEAT

The founding chairman, Association of Pro-chancellors of Private Universities of Nigeria, (APPUN), representing 68 private universities in Nigeria, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, has stepped down as leader of the association.

He willfully resigned as the chairman during the seventh meeting of the association in Abuja.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, Prof. Hagher said he chose to step down on his own volition, and for the love he has for the organization and Nigeria.

He said after tremendous pressure, he decided to join the race for the Nigeria presidential election in 2019.

The Professor said, “After tremendous pressure from my friends, political leaders, spiritual fathers and mothers, traditional leaders, youth organizations, human rights advocacy groups, Nigeria diplomats, Nigerians in Diaspora, my past and present university students and relatives of the voiceless masses, I have decided to join the race for the Nigeria presidential election in 2019.

“I have bowed to the pressure for the love of this country. In taking this decision I have also consulted widely.

“I leave the association that I founded in the hands of capable

Pro-chancellor and chairman, Caleb University, Lagos, Prof. Fola Tayo.

“The association also lost its secretary Prof. Dogara Gwamna, who is being replaced by the Pro-chancellor of Nile University, Mehmet Basturk,” he said.

He stated that he decided to totally insulate the association from partisan politics so that it will be able to continue its dialogue and bargain with the federal government to improve on the excellent foundation private universities are laying to stabilize and raise the standard of tertiary education in the country.

“It has been a great joy to grow together with my colleagues to rebuild our vision for a greater and better Nigeria on the foundation of the best education for all Nigerians as we speed up to catch up with the rest of the modern world to stabilize our democracy, rapidly develop our economy and provide high end technology,” he added.