The selection process for a substantive Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) faces potential disruption due to allegations of moves to manipulate the process in favor of a particular candidate.
Vanguard investigations revealed that tensions flared during a Governing Council meeting last Friday, with members divided over the alleged attempts by some to sway the process. Heated arguments ensued, with factions forming between those insisting on adherence to standards set by the Federal Ministry of Education and others pushing for adjustments to benefit a favored candidate.
The controversy arose as the tenure of the former VC, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, ended on July 1, 2024. In March, the previous Governing Council placed an advertisement inviting applications from qualified candidates. However, after the dissolution and reconstitution of university governing councils, a new advertisement was issued in August by the incoming Council, calling for fresh applications.
At the center of the dispute is the requirement for candidates to have 10 years of post-professorial experience, a standard set by the Federal Ministry of Education for federal university VC appointments. Notably, this criterion was omitted from the August advertisement, sparking further concerns.
The University’s local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had earlier condemned the advert placed under Na’Allah’s leadership, accusing both the former VC and the Ministry of Education of violating specific rules. ASUU Chairman Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh raised alarms over the matter during a press briefing in Abuja.
In the midst of the controversy, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, who became a professor in 2022 and was appointed as Deputy Vice Chancellor, has been serving as the Acting Vice Chancellor since Na’Allah’s departure.
We are watching the situation – Osodeke
When contacted, the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said the union is keenly monitoring the situation.
“We understand that an advertisement has been placed, inviting applications for the position, which is the responsibility of the Governing Council. They have fulfilled that duty, and it is also their role to establish a Selection Committee, which will then report back to the Council. Regarding the alleged underground moves to manipulate the process in favor of a particular candidate, that has not been officially brought to our attention as a union,” he stated.
We are aware of complaints – Registrar
The Registrar, who is also the Secretary to the Governing Council of the institution, Mallam Yahya Mohammed, told our correspondent on phone that the Council is aware of complaints by some people regarding the advert placed.
“The Council met last week and we have started opening the envelopes sent by applicants. We are still on that. So, nothing substantial has been done on the selection of a new Vice Chancellor. We are also aware of complaints by some people regarding the advert placed,” he said.
Asked whether the advert met the required standards as set by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Registrar said he had no comment on that but assured that the Council would be sensitive to the feelings of stakeholders and would do what would not impugn the integrity of the university.
He also denied the allegation that the process is being skewed to favour any particular candidate.
However, efforts to speak with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the acting VC, Prof. Aisha Maikudi and the Chairman of the Governing Council, AVM Ismaila Kaita, failed.
Calls made to their phone numbers were not picked, while they also did not reply to text messages sent to them as at press time.
