Alumni Blames Council For Bypassing Mandatory PhD Rule In VC Selection

Concerned Alumni Stakeholders, University of Abuja Worldwide, has condemned what it describes as a clear breach of advertised requirements in the recent appointment of a new substantive Vice-Chancellor for the institution.

The group, in a press statement expressed deep concern that the Governing Council may have overlooked mandatory criteria, thereby plunging the university into one of the most intense governance controversies in its history.

The statement was jointly signed by

Dr Ajibola Obasanjo, Dr Abdullahi Adamu, Dr Hauwa Shagari, Dr Oluremi Clark For Concerned Alumni Stakeholders, University of Abuja Worldwide.

According to them, when the University advertised the vacant position, the conditions were clear and explicit.

They said among the mandatory requirements was the possession of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, in accordance with National Universities Commission (NUC) regulations and longstanding university governance practice in Nigeria.

“The University of Abuja now stands at a defining crossroads. On one side lies strict adherence to law, institutional tradition, and regulatory integrity; on the other lies a path fraught with legal uncertainty and governance risk.

“For a university built on the principles of federal character, merit, and national credibility, stakeholders believe the choice should be obvious.

“As the controversy deepens, all eyes remain fixed on the Governing Council and federal authorities for the next decisive step,” they stated.