Abuja, Nigeria – The Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Abuja chapter (ASUU-UNIABUJA), has called for the resumption of the Vice-Chancellorship selection process in January 2025.
This follows a protracted crisis surrounding the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor for the institution.
Emergency Meeting and Resolutions
ASUU-UNIABUJA held an emergency meeting on Friday to address concerns over alleged irregularities in the selection process. The crisis was sparked by claims of imposition and manipulation of criteria favouring the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, as the substantive candidate.
Professors Kasim Waziri and Rosemary Udeozo, members of the Senate Joint Selection Board, reportedly walked out of a Monday meeting citing objections to imposed criteria.
Though the official resolutions from the ASUU meeting are yet to be released, a source revealed that the union pledged support for Senate members on the selection board and urged them to resume the process in January.
Petition to the Minister of Education
Further complicating the process are grievances expressed by southern Nigerian representatives on the University’s Governing Council. Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye (South West) and Mrs. Chisom Dorcas Obih (South East) submitted a petition to the Minister of Education, alleging bias in the selection process.
The petition outlined concerns about:
- The exclusion of external council members from the South from significant roles in the selection process.
- Doctoring of previously approved criteria to favour a specific candidate.
The petition, copied to President Bola Tinubu and other key stakeholders, warned that the situation could lead to litigation and embarrassment for the Nigerian university system.
Accusations Against the Governing Council
The Governing Council, chaired by retired Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, has been accused of attempting to impose Prof. Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor despite questions about her qualifications.
The petitioners argue that the council deviated from objective criteria earlier agreed upon in December 2024. This has fueled accusations of partisanship and regional bias.
Looking Ahead
ASUU-UNIABUJA’s appeal for a January 2025 resumption of the selection process aims to restore credibility to the process. However, the controversy underscores deep divisions within the institution, with stakeholders demanding transparency and adherence to due process in the appointment of the University of Abuja’s next Vice-Chancellor.