Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a level-playing field for all candidates in the Vice-Chancellor (VC) selection process, even as it warns detractors.

The council, chaired by Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (rtd), in a statement yesterday, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to upholding due process in accordance with the university’s statutes, particularly in the selection of a new VC.

According to the council, the VC selection process strictly adheres to the university’s established rules and templates. It added that claims of favouritism or interference were unfounded as it remained attempts to blackmail and hinder the selection process.

The council noted that external interventions, as suggested by some parties, were not the solution to the tussle.

Calling for unity and collective action in the interest of the university and the nation, the council assured that it remained steadfast in its dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellence.

The council condemned the actions of certain individuals, who out of desperation, were attempting to destabilise the university’s academic environment. Such behaviour, the chairman noted, threatened ongoing efforts to enhance the institution for students, staff, and the nation at large.

The chairman appealed to the university community to exercise patience and foster collaboration just as it urged stakeholders to prioritise the institution’s welfare over personal agenda and reassured them that no amount of blackmail would derail the commitment to fairness and transparency.

In a bid to resolve the conflict, the chairman directed the postponement of the Senate meeting to allow for mediation and consultation with key stakeholders, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The chairman assured the university community that the ongoing investigations and selection processes would be handled with integrity.

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, accusing her of being favoured through accelerated promotions to position her for appointment as the new substantive VC.