UniAbuja Denies Breach Of Law In VC Appointment

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has refuted allegations of violation of extant law and rules in the appointment of its new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi.

In a statement released by the university’s Governing Council on Wednesday, signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Islamiyat F. Adulrahim, the institution assured that the VC appointment process fully complied with all relevant laws and established procedures.

The statement said the Governing Council of the University, led by Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd), “has complied with the extant laws and laid down procedures and processes in the appointment of the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University.”

According to her, “Contrary to the insinuations in some quarters, the Council in making the appointment announced on 31st December 2024, 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.

“The Council is not unaware of complaints raised by some interested parties in the course of the transition process, which commenced as far back as March 2024 when the University initially advertised the position of Vice-Chancellor.

“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,” the statement added.

She further emphasised the need 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.