UNIABUJA Council Defends Appointment Of Vice-Chancellor Amid Controversy
The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has dismissed allegations of procedural breaches in the appointment of Professor Aisha Maikudi as the institution’s substantive vice-chancellor.
In a statement issued Wednesday by Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Islamiyat Adulrahim, the council, led by retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Saddiq Kaita, affirmed its strict adherence to the UNIABUJA Act and the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Act during the selection process.
“Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Council, in making the appointment announced on 31 December 2024, strictly complied with the relevant provisions of the two main acts guiding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors,” the statement read.
Ms. Maikudi, who had served as acting vice-chancellor for six months following the tenure expiration of her predecessor, Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, was officially announced as vice-chancellor on 31 December 2024. Her appointment took effect on 1 January 2025, emerging from a pool of over 80 applicants.
The appointment process was marred by allegations from some selection committee members who accused the council of manipulating criteria to favour Ms. Maikudi. This controversy led to two committee members walking out during the selection process in December.
Despite these claims, the council has maintained that Professor Maikudi’s appointment was based on merit.
The council acknowledged the concerns raised during the transition process, which began as early as March 2024, when the position was first advertised. Efforts were reportedly made to address these issues amicably, with input from the university’s Senate and the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In its statement, the council called on university staff and stakeholders to support Professor Maikudi’s leadership and urged unsuccessful applicants to demonstrate “sportsmanship and maturity.”
“This is necessary for the University to forge ahead and allow the new substantive vice-chancellor to unfold and pursue her vision for the University in an atmosphere of inclusiveness and enduring corporate harmony,” the statement concluded.
The council’s defence underscores its commitment to transparency, seeking to quell dissent and foster unity within the university community.
