UniAbuja clarifies allegations surrounding VC’s selection process

The University of Abuja has addressed issues raised in recent media reports and allegations concerning the ongoing selection process for appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Since the departure of Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah on July 1, the University has been embroiled in a succession crisis.

The Acting Director of Information and University Relations at the University of Abuja, Dr. Habib Yakoob, has refuted claims of favoritism, particularly allegations of the imposition of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, as the preferred candidate.

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“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,” Yakoob stated in a press release on Wednesday in Abuja.

He emphasized that Professor Maikudi, like all other candidates who applied for the Vice-Chancellor position, is fully qualified and competent for the role.

According to him, Maikudi has effectively managed her responsibilities as Acting Vice-Chancellor over the past six months.

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

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

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. Yakoob 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 Senate meeting, Yakoob clarified that 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.

On reports of protests by some professors, Yakoob reaffirmed the University’s respect for staff rights to peaceful expression. However, he categorically denied allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, clarifying that no such meeting occurred.

Concerning claims of a journalist being manhandled, Yakoob disclosed that the University management thoroughly investigated the incident. The findings revealed that the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding regarding the journalist’s identity and purpose on campus.

He explained that one of the journalist’s vehicle tires was briefly immobilized to prevent unauthorized departure, and at no point was the journalist detained, assaulted, or subjected to harm.

“Furthermore, no journalist who properly identified themselves was denied access to the University premises,” he stated.

The University reiterated its commitment to fostering positive relationships with the media and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals within its community.

“As the institution continues to uphold its mission of providing quality education and fostering innovation, it calls on all stakeholders to allow the selection process to proceed without undue interference or politicization. The process will be concluded with the utmost integrity and in the best interests of the University,” the statement concluded.