The University of Abuja Tuesday said it has noted recent media reports and allegations concerning the ongoing selection process for the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
These reports, which include claims of the imposition of 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.
To begin with, Professor Maikudi, like all other candidates who have applied for the position of vice-chancellor, is fully qualified and competent to assume the role.
A press statement weekend, signed and made available to Blueprint by the acting director, Information and University Relations, University of Abuja, Dr. Habib Yakoob said over the past six months, she has ably discharged her responsibilities as acting vice-chancellor.
The statement reads: “In fact, her remarkable overall accomplishment in the five months, she has held forte has she 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 university remains confident in the council’s commitment to conducting a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process in strict adherence to the universities Miscellaneous Provisions Act and other relevant statutes.
“The University Council has meticulously structured the process to ensure the emergence of the most competent and visionary leader to steer the institution toward greater achievements.
“On the issue of the Senate meeting: While it is true that a meeting was initially scheduled to address the matter of two Senate members who walked out of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board meeting regarding the selection criteria, no such meeting ultimately took place. The meeting was postponed to allow for alternative avenues of amicable resolution.
“Regarding claims of protests by some professors, the university affirms that it respects the right of staff to peaceful expression. However, it categorically denies any allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, particularly as no such meeting occurred.
“Concerning reports of a journalist being manhandled, the university management has thoroughly investigated the incident. Findings indicate that the issue arose from a misunderstanding regarding the journalist’s identity and purpose on campus.”
