University of Abuja Senate Members Petition Minister Over Alleged Manipulation of VC Appointment

The Senate members of the University of Abuja have formally petitioned the Minister of Education, accusing the University’s Governing Council of manipulating the appointment process for the position of Vice Chancellor. The petition, signed by 43 professors, claims that the council violated the established guidelines set by the Federal Ministry of Education, which stipulate a four-step process for the appointment of a Vice Chancellor.

In the petition, dated January 20th, the Senate members argue that the appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi as the substantive Vice Chancellor did not adhere to these guidelines. Specifically, the petition asserts that the guidelines require the candidate to be a Professor with at least 10 years of experience, a criterion which they say was not met by Prof. Maikudi.

The petition also outlines several procedural violations by the council, including the failure to follow the prescribed steps for the selection process. The Senate members are calling for the immediate dissolution and reconstitution of the Governing Council to ensure a fair and transparent process for future appointments.

Further backing their claims, the petitioners presented documentary evidence, including the Federal Ministry of Education’s guideline handbook from November 2023. They argue that despite the publication of an advertisement in August 2024 calling for additional applicants, the council disregarded the original criteria and conducted the shortlisting process improperly.

Of the roughly 90 applicants considered, Prof. Maikudi was selected, despite having only two years of experience as a professor and an h-index ranking of zero on Google Scholar. The Senate members also criticized the council for bypassing the established selection board, instead forming an unauthorized committee to score candidates and select the finalists, disregarding the Board’s legal responsibilities.

The petitioners have expressed a loss of faith in the Governing Council, citing incompetence and a disregard for rules and procedures. They are urging the Minister of Education to take swift action to restore integrity to the process and ensure that future appointments are made in line with the established guidelines.