The University of Abuja has insisted that it complied with extant laws and laid down procedures and processes in the appointment of the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi.

It denied allegations by 43 academics who are members of the University Senate that the Governing Council manipulated the selection process in favour of Prof. Maikudi.

The Guardian had reported that in a petition to President Bola Tinubu who doubles as a Visitor to the university, the 43 Dons had called for the dissolution of the Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd)-led Governing Council of the university.

But in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Islamiyat Adulrahim, the Council pointed out that the 31st December 2024 announcement of the substantive Vice-Chancellor strictly complied with the relevant provisions of the two main acts guiding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors of the University namely: the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, NO 1 of 2007.

“However, it is important to note that all such concerns and issues were considered and efforts made to resolve the issues amicably with the active involvement of major stakeholders in the University, including the Senate and the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

“That explains the wide and enthusiastic acceptance of the announcement of the new Vice-Chancellor within and beyond the University community.

“Council appreciates that in a contest of eighty-seven applicants with only one winner expected to emerge, the losers must exhibit great sportsmanship and maturity to accept the outcome.

“This is necessary for the University to forge ahead and allow the brand-new substantive Vice-chancellor who served in an acting capacity in the past six months, to unfold and pursue her vision for the University in an atmosphere of inclusiveness and enduring corporate harmony.”