A PETITION signed by 43 professors from the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) Senate has sparked fresh controversy over the institution’s appointment process for a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The professors have called for the immediate dissolution of the university’s Governing Council, citing a flawed selection process and breaches of Federal Ministry of Education guidelines.
The Explainer gathered that the dispute arose following the appointment of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the university’s 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor. Critics argue that her selection contravened established protocols, particularly the requirement for candidates to have at least ten years of professorial experience.
In a petition addressed to the Minister of Education, the Senate alleged that the Governing Council undermined the integrity of the process by shortlisting an unqualified candidate, thereby jeopardising the university’s reputation.
The Explainer learned that the university initially advertised the Vice-Chancellor position in March 2024, outlining strict eligibility criteria, including a minimum of five years of professorial experience and a strong academic record. However, a revised advertisement in August 2024 reportedly diluted these requirements, paving the way for the selection of Professor Maikudi, who critics say does not meet the prescribed qualifications.
“The council disregarded the advertised requirements during shortlisting,” the petitioners claimed. “Among the approximately 90 applicants, the final selection was manipulated to favour an unqualified candidate, undermining transparency and merit.”
Further allegations include the improper composition of the Governing Council and undue interference by the Federal Ministry of Education. The Senate accused the council’s chairman, Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd), of orchestrating the process to favour a preferred candidate.
The petition also highlighted concerns over the democratic processes within the university. Senate members alleged that meetings were characterised by suppression of dissenting opinions and hasty decision-making.
“It is disheartening that crucial deliberations were rushed through in less than a week,” they said. “This reflects a deliberate attempt to stifle proper scrutiny and undermine the principles of fair competition.”
The petitioners are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education to intervene urgently. They are demanding the dissolution and reconstitution of the Governing Council to restore credibility to the university’s leadership selection process.
“We have lost faith in the current Governing Council,” the Senate wrote. “Their actions have eroded trust and set a dangerous precedent for other academic institutions in Nigeria.”
