By Alade Adisa
All is not well at the University of ABUJA, UNIABUJA, following the appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi, as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution by the Governing Council.
The petition was dated January 2, 2025, and sent through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, to the President .
The professors urged Tinubu to nullify all decisions taken by the current council, insisting that inability to act, could become a guiding principle in other universities across the country.
It was titled: “Complaint regarding the manipulation of Vice Chancellor appointment processes at the University of Abuja.”
“We feel compelled to bring to your attention our concens regarding the gross irregularities, blatant disregard for due process, violations of relevant laws and regulations, favoritism, abuse of privileges, undue interference, and lack of fairness that marred the selection process for the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Abuja. These lapses culminated in the unfortunate declaration of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor.
“Such events not only undermine the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President but also risk setting a dangerous Precedent for other Governing Councils in appointing Vice Chancellors across Nigerian universities.
“We have lost total faith and confidence in the Governing Council as they have exhibited lack of integnty and competence, and inability to be fair and just in producing the best and most qualified Vice Chancellor for the University.
“We thus urge you to take immediate corrective action to restore the integrity of the process by getting the Goveming Council dissolved and re-constituted so that a fresh and free process of Vice Chancellorship appointed will be conducted. This will additionally go along way in once again demonstrating to Nigenans the sincerity of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Mr President Sir, failure to address these concems could have far-reaching consequences for the University and the higher education system in Nigena as other Governing Councils will gladly emulate this ugly and unfortunate path taken by the University of Abuja Governing Council. “
The professors who signed the petition are: Prof. Olanrewaju Aladeitan, Prof, Umaru Muhammed, Prof. Mabel Evwiohana, Prof. Jude Omeje, Prof. Effiok Bassey Uwatt, Prof. Ifeoma Echezona, Prof. S.A.J Obansa, Dr. Yekeen Abdulmalik, Prof. F. N Ogwueleka, Prof. M.O Durojaye, and Prof. Ndana R.W.
Others are Prof. W.D Nafarnda, Prof. O.F Ajagbona, Prof. Yusuf Ahmadu, Prof. Yau Muhammed Damagum, Prof. Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman, Prof. Philip Akpen, Prof. Rosemary Udeozor, Prof. Otaki Alananan and Prof. Simon Abochol;Prof. Saleh Dauda, Prof. Muhammed A. Katcha, Prof. J.O Ogedengbe, Prof. Aisuodionoe-Shadrach O.T, Prof Sani Saka, Prof. Yusufu Zoaka, Prof. Muktar A. Muhammed, Prof. J.J. Ndana, Prof. Nkiruka C. Odoh, Prof. Ejeikwu E.0, Prof. Simon M.K, and Prof. M.U Ndagi.
