A group of 109 Senate members from the University of Abuja, comprising professors, deans, and department heads, has issued a formal statement defending the appointment of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the university’s new Vice Chancellor.
This follows allegations of misconduct in the selection process by a faction of university stakeholders.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the senators affirmed that Maikudi’s appointment adhered strictly to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and internal university regulations.
They dismissed claims of irregularities as baseless and exaggerated, labeling the controversy as the work of a small group of dissatisfied individuals.
The defense was in response to a protest reportedly led by Professor Sani Abubakar Mashi and a group of 40 professors, who alleged manipulation and impropriety in the selection process.
However, the senators clarified that only six professors participated in the protest, challenging the credibility of the claims.
The senators outlined the transparent process that led to Maikudi’s appointment.
According to their statement, the position of Vice Chancellor was advertised twice in 2024, attracting 87 applications, which were screened and narrowed down to 40 candidates.
A Joint Senate and Council Selection Board (JCSSB) then evaluated the candidates, ultimately recommending the top three, from which Maikudi was appointed.
They also addressed accusations that Maikudi was ineligible due to a purported requirement of 10 years of professorship, describing this criterion as unfounded and not stipulated in any law or regulation.
The senators accused detractors of using this argument to undermine Maikudi’s candidacy.
The statement called out three individuals for their roles in the dispute; Professor Ralph Akinfeleye was accused of spreading misinformation about the selection process, Professor Mashi, who reportedly aspired to the role of Vice Chancellor, was said to have failed to reach the final interview stage, Professors K.M. Waziri and Rosemary Udeozor, who initially refused to engage with the JCSSB and were subsequently replaced.
Concluding their letter, the senators urged President Tinubu to disregard what they termed as “antagonistic reports” against Maikudi’s appointment.
They described the opposition as the actions of “mischief makers” and reiterated that the selection process was conducted with transparency and integrity.