We didn’t break extant laws in appointment of VC, says governing council

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Updated: Jan 8, 2025
Credibility: 85%

8, January 2025

The governing council of the University of Abuja has defended itself against an allegation that it went outside the existing law and due process in the appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi as the university’s 7th substantive vice-chancellor.

It insisted that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, it strictly complied with the relevant provisions of the two main acts guiding the appointment of vice-chancellors of the university.

The Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council,

Mrs Islamiyat Adulrahim, in a statement to this effect on Wednesday, particularly said the council strictly complied with the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, NO 1 of 2007.

Noting that it was not unaware of the complaints that trailed the processes leading to the appointment of the vice-chancellor, the council explained that all such concerns and issues were considered and efforts made to resolve the issues amicably with the active involvement of major stakeholders in the University, including the Senate and the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

The statement read:””Contrary to the insinuations in some quarters, the Council in making the appointment announced on 31st December 2024, strictly complied with the relevant provisions of the two main acts guiding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors of the University, namely, the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, NO 1 of 2007.

“The Governing Council of the University of Abuja led by Air Vice Marshall Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd) has complied with the extant laws and laid down procedures and processes in the appointment of the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi.

“Contrary to the insinuations in some quarters, the Council in making the appointment announced on 31st December 2024, strictly complied with the relevant provisions of the two main acts guiding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors of the University, namely, the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, NO 1 of 2007.

 

“The Council is not unaware of complaints raised by some interested parties in the course of the transition process, which commenced as far back as March 2024 when the University initially advertised the position of Vice-Chancellor. However, it is important to note that all such concerns and issues were considered and efforts made to resolve the issues amicably with the active involvement of major  stakeholders in the University, including the Senate and the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). That explains the wide and enthusiastic acceptance of the announcement of the new Vice-Chancellor within and beyond the University community.

“Council appreciates that in a contest of eighty-seven applicants with only one winner expected to emerge, the losers must exhibit  great sportsmanship and maturity to accept the outcome.

“This is necessary for the University to forge ahead and allow the brand-new substantive Vice-chancellor who served in an acting capacity in the past six months, to unfold and pursue her vision for the University in an atmosphere of inclusiveness and enduring corporate harmony. “

(www.naija247news.com)