Senior professors at the University of Abuja staged a protest on Tuesday over what they described as irregularities in the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor. The controversy comes in the wake of the exit of the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, on July 1, 2024, leaving the institution embroiled in a leadership crisis.
The Leadership Transition
Before stepping down, Prof. Na’Allah initiated the process for selecting his successor. However, he handed over leadership to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, a law professor, who has been serving in an acting capacity.
Maikudi’s appointment has faced significant pushback from stakeholders within the university. Critics argue that she does not meet the required years of qualification as a professor to assume the position of Vice-Chancellor. This disagreement has fueled tensions within the institution, leading to public protests by senior academics.
Governance Concerns Raised
In a letter dated November 6, 2024, addressed to the Minister of Education and copied to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Maikudi expressed concerns about governance challenges at the university. She alleged that certain actions taken by the governing council threatened the stability, governance, and progress of the institution.
“The conduct of the council is making it impossible to maintain a smooth relationship between the school management and the council under my leadership,” Maikudi stated.
The governing council, however, refuted allegations of obstructing her appointment as substantive Vice-Chancellor, insisting that the selection process remains fair and transparent.
Selection Process and Stakeholder Concerns
A source close to the university senate revealed that over 40 candidates are vying for the position of Vice-Chancellor. The competitive nature of the selection process has heightened tensions, with stakeholders calling for transparency and adherence to due process.
University spokesperson, Dr. Yakoob Habib, assured that the institution is committed to following due process in the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Incident with Channels Television
The protest on campus took a dramatic turn when security operatives attacked the team from Channels Television covering the event. Upon their arrival, the crew was confronted by gun-wielding security personnel who manhandled them, damaged their vehicle, and detained them for over an hour.
Footage of the attack showed security personnel forcibly removing crew members from their vehicle and questioning their presence on university grounds. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, raising concerns about press freedom and the handling of dissent at the university.
Broader Implications
The leadership crisis at the University of Abuja underscores deeper governance challenges within the institution. The allegations of irregularities, coupled with the violent attack on journalists, highlight the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for institutional autonomy in resolving such disputes.
As the university works toward appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor, stakeholders urge the governing council to ensure that the process is inclusive and fair. For the academic community and broader society, the resolution of this crisis is critical for maintaining the credibility and reputation of one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions.
