UniAbuja Dismisses Allegations Surrounding Vice-Chancellor Selection Process

The University of Abuja has dismissed recent allegations and media reports concerning the ongoing selection process for the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

The institution in a statement signed by its Acting Director,Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob on Wednesday, denied the allegations.

According to the statement, the university has noted claims of the imposition of a candidate, specifically Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, as well as allegations of journalist harassment and protests by some professors.

However, the university has categorically denied these allegations, labeling them as “misleading and exaggerated.”

The statement highlighted Professor Maikudi’s qualifications and competence for the role, citing her remarkable performance as Acting Vice-Chancellor over the past six months.

“In fact, her remarkable overall accomplishment in the five months she has held forte 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 statement said.

The university expressed confidence in the Council’s commitment to conducting a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process.

Regarding the alleged Senate meeting and protests, the university clarified that no such meeting took place, and the claims of coercion or confrontation were unfounded.

Additionally, the university stated that it investigated reports of a journalist being manhandled and found that the incident arose from a misunderstanding.

“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. Although one of the journalist’s vehicle tyres was briefly immobilised to prevent unauthorised departure, at no time was the journalist detained, assaulted, or subjected to any form of harm. Furthermore, no journalist who properly identified themselves was denied access to the University premises,” the statement said.

The institution reiterated its commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the media and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals within its community.

It called on all stakeholders to allow the selection process to proceed without undue interference or politicization.

The statement added that the selection process will be concluded with the utmost integrity and in the best interests of the university.

UniAbuja Dismisses Allegations Surrounding Vice-Chancellor Selection Process is first published on The Whistler Newspaper