University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has said the university is not imposing the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Aisha Maikudu, as the substantive VC of the university.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was in reaction to allegations surrounding the selection process of a substantive vice-chancellor of the school.
Acting Director of Information and University Relations of UniAbuja, Dr Habib Yakoob made the clarification through a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Yakoob; Maikudi, like other candidates, who have applied for the position of vice-chancellor, was fully qualified and competent to assume the role.
He said, “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.”
The spokesman reiterated the University’s confidence 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.
Yakoob noted that the Council had meticulously structured the process to ensure the emergence of the most competent and visionary leader to steer the institution toward greater achievements.
The spokesman added that the institution will continue to uphold its mission of providing quality education and fostering innovation.
He further urged all stakeholders to allow the selection process to proceed without undue interference or politicisation.
Yakoob said, “The process will be concluded with the utmost integrity and in the best interests of the University.”
Commenting 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.
He emphasised that no such meeting took place, as the meeting was postponed to allow for alternative avenues of amicable resolution.
Speaking on the claims of protest by some professors, Yakoob said the university respected the right of staff to peaceful expression.
The spokesman debunked allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, noting no such meeting occurred.
