The University of Abuja (UniAbuja), has denied that university authority is imposing the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Aisha Maikudu, as the substantive VC of the university.
Speaking to the swirling allegations of bias and nepotism to allegations surrounding a substantive vice-chancellor selection process, in a statement yesterday -Wednesday, December 25 – in Abuja, the FCT, the Acting Director, Information and University Relations, UniAbuja, Dr Habib Yakoob, stated that Maikudi, like other candidates who have applied for the position of a vice-chancellor, is fully qualified and competent to assume the role.
“Over the past six months, she has ably discharged her responsibilities as acting vice-chancellor.
“In fact, her remarkable overall accomplishment in the five months she has held forth has continued to attract widespread applause and commendation within the university and beyond.
“Efforts to unjustly malign her candidacy are baseless, unwarranted, and appear calculated to create unnecessary tension and distract the University Council from its mandate,” he said.
He said the university remains confident in the council’s commitment to conducting a transparent, fair and merit-based selection process in strict adherence to the University’s Act and other relevant statutes.
The university spokesman said the Council had meticulously structured the process to ensure the emergence of the most competent and visionary leader to steer the institution to greater heights/achievements.
According to him, the institution will continue to uphold its mission of providing quality education and fostering innovation.
He called on all stakeholders to allow the selection process to proceed without undue interference or politicisation.
“The process will be concluded with the utmost integrity and in the best interests of the university,” NAN quoted Yakoob as saying.
On the proposed Senate meeting, Yakoob said it was true a meeting was initially scheduled to address the issue of two senate members who walked out of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board meeting regarding the selection criteria, explaining that the meeting was postponed to allow for alternative avenues of amicable resolution.
Yakoob, while clarifying the claims of protest by some professors, said the university respects the right of staff to peaceful expression but debunked allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, as no such meeting occurred.
