The appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja has ignited a storm of protests, with 43 aggrieved professors petitioning President Bola Tinubu to nullify the decision.
The professors accused the university’s governing council of violating established guidelines to impose an unqualified candidate, calling for the council’s immediate dissolution and a fresh appointment process.
In a petition dated January 2, 2025, addressed to the President through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the professors alleged gross irregularities, favoritism, and a lack of due process in the selection process.
“We feel compelled to bring to your attention our concerns regarding the gross irregularities, blatant disregard for due process, violations of relevant laws and regulations, favoritism, abuse of privileges, undue interference, and lack of fairness that marred the selection process for the Vice-Chancellorship of the University of Abuja. These lapses culminated in the unfortunate declaration of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor,” the professors wrote.
They further noted that Prof. Maikudi, who was appointed on December 31, 2024, by the Kaita-led Governing Council, lacked the requisite 10 years of professorial experience required for the position, having only two years in the role. They also criticized her academic credentials and scholarly visibility, asserting that these shortcomings disqualified her from leading a premier institution like UniAbuja.
The petition condemned the council’s inclusion of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education and a businesswoman, claiming they lacked the expertise necessary for upholding quality assurance in higher education governance.
“We have lost total faith and confidence in the Governing Council as they have exhibited a lack of integrity and competence, and inability to be fair and just in producing the best and most qualified Vice-Chancellor for the University,” the petition read.
The professors called on President Tinubu to act swiftly, warning of dire consequences for Nigeria’s higher education system should the irregularities go unaddressed.
“Failure to address these concerns could have far-reaching consequences for the University and the higher education system in Nigeria as other Governing Councils will gladly emulate this ugly and unfortunate path taken by the University of Abuja Governing Council,” they cautioned.
The signatories included prominent academics such as Prof. Olanrewaju Aladeitan, Prof. Umaru Muhammed, Prof. Mabel Evwiohana, Prof. Jude Omeje, Prof. Effiok Bassey Uwatt, and Prof. Ifeoma Echezona, among others.
This development adds another layer to the ongoing debate about governance and transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. All eyes are now on President Tinubu’s response to the controversial appointment.
