UniAbuja Denies Allegations of Bias in VC Selection Process

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has rejected claims of bias and irregularities in the ongoing selection process for the next Vice-Chancellor, following protests by senior professors at the institution.

According to a report from PUNCH Online, professors at UniAbuja staged a protest on Tuesday, calling the selection process “flawed” and expressing concerns over the alleged favoritism in the appointment. The protests come after the exit of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, on July 1. Na'Allah had initiated the process to appoint his successor before his departure.

In the interim, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and a law professor, was appointed acting Vice-Chancellor. However, some stakeholders questioned her qualifications, arguing that she did not meet the required years of experience as a professor to hold such a senior position.

Responding to the allegations, the University issued a statement on Wednesday through the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Habib Yakoob. The statement emphasized that Prof. Maikudi, along with other candidates, is fully qualified for the role of Vice-Chancellor, and that she has successfully managed her responsibilities as acting VC for the past six months.

The statement also reiterated the institution’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection process, in line with the relevant regulations governing university appointments.

“These reports, which include claims of imposing a candidate—specifically the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi—as well as allegations of journalist harassment and protests by some professors, are misleading and exaggerated,” the statement read. “In fact, her remarkable accomplishments during this period have garnered widespread applause and commendation within and beyond the University.”

The University also addressed concerns about the Senate meeting, explaining that although a meeting was initially planned to discuss the walkout of two Senate members during the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board meeting, it was postponed in favor of exploring alternative ways to resolve the issue amicably.

Yakoob also denied reports of any coercion or confrontation during the Senate meeting and clarified that the University respects staff rights to peaceful expression. Regarding the claims of a Channels Television journalist being manhandled on campus, the University conducted an investigation, concluding that the incident was a misunderstanding about the journalist's identity and purpose. The statement clarified that one of the journalist’s vehicle tires had been briefly immobilized to prevent unauthorized departure, but the journalist was neither detained nor assaulted.

The University concluded by reaffirming its commitment to transparency in the VC selection process and its continued respect for the media. It urged all stakeholders to allow the process to unfold without interference or politicization, assuring that the selection would proceed with integrity and in the best interest of the institution.