The University of Abuja’s Governing Council is set to announce the appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the acting vice-chancellor, as the substantive vice-chancellor on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This decision comes amid allegations of irregularities in the selection process, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The council, chaired by Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, will convene its 77th Extra-Ordinary Meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Senate Building, Main Campus, Airport Road, Abuja. The meeting notice, signed by Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Islamiyat F. Abdulrahim, reads:
“The 77th Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Governing Council has been scheduled to hold as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 31st December, 2024.
Time: 5:00 pm.
Venue: Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Senate Building, Main Campus, Airport Road, Abuja.
Kindly endeavor to attend.”
However, controversy has marred the process, with at least two candidates withdrawing from the interview stage. They cited concerns over a lack of transparency, procedural irregularities, and inadequate adherence to due process. Sources told SaharaReporters that invitations to the interview were sent less than 24 hours before the process began, prompting accusations that the exercise was a formality to justify a predetermined outcome.
“The short notice was suspicious,” one source noted. “It seemed designed to exclude genuine competition for the position.”
On Sunday, SaharaReporters revealed that the interviews for the vice-chancellor position were scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31. Despite these plans, concerns about the integrity of the process deepened when it was reported that Senate members elected to the joint selection board were absent. Nevertheless, the selection board chairman reportedly proceeded with the interviews.
“Yes, the chairman is conducting the interviews now,” a source confirmed on Monday. “They have also slated a council meeting for 5 p.m. tomorrow to announce her [Prof. Maikudi] as the substantive VC.”
These developments have raised questions about governance and transparency at one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities.
