VC tussle: UniAbuja promises level playing field for candidates

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has promised a level playing field for all candidates in the process of selecting a new Vice Chancellor (VC).

The council chaired by Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (rtd) made this promise in a statement on Thursday.

Kaita said the council will maintain its unwavering commitment to upholding due process in accordance with the statutes of UniAbuja, particularly as regards the selection of a new VC.

“These reports, which include claims of imposing a candidate—specifically the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi—as well as allegations of journalist harassment and protests by some professors, are misleading and exaggerated,” the statement read.

“In fact, her remarkable accomplishments during this period have garnered widespread applause and commendation within and beyond the University.

“Efforts to malign her candidacy are baseless, unwarranted, and appear aimed at creating unnecessary tension and distracting the University Council from its mandate.”

According to the statement, the university remains confident in the council’s ability to conduct a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process, adhering strictly to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and other relevant statutes.

It also assured that the council has structured the process to ensure the emergence of the most competent and visionary leader to propel the institution toward greater achievements.

Regarding the meeting held by the university’s Senate, the statement read, “While a meeting had been initially scheduled to address the conduct of two Senate members who walked out of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board meeting concerning selection criteria, the meeting was ultimately postponed to explore alternative avenues for amicable resolution.”

The council stated that the VC selection process strictly adheres to the university’s established rules and templates adding claims of favoritism or interference were unfounded as it remains an attempts to blackmail and hinder the selection process.

The council also noted that external interventions, as suggested by some parties, are not the solution to the tussle over the exalted seat of the Vice Chancellor.

Tension had gripped the school over the choice of a new Vice-Chancellor after the former VC, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah, vacated the position on July 1, with some opposing interests, who are against Aisha Maikudi, a Professor of International Law are said to have accused her of being favored through accelerated promotions to position her for appointment as the new substantive VC.