The University of Abuja (UniAbuja), has made it clear that the university is not imposing the acting Vice Chancellor, Aisha Maikudi, as the substantive VC of the university.
The Acting Director, Information and University Relations, UniAbuja, Dr Habib Yakoob, made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, while reacting to allegations surrounding the selection process of a substantive vice-chancellor.
Yakoob said that Maikudi, like other candidates, who have applied for the position of a vice-chancellor, was fully qualified and competent to assume the role.
“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,” he said.
He said that the University remained confident 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.
The university spokesman said 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.
According to him, the institution will continue to uphold its mission of providing quality education and fostering innovation.
He called on all stakeholders to allow the selection process to proceed without undue interference or politicisation.
“The process will be concluded with the utmost integrity and in the best interests of the University,” it said.
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 said that no such meeting took place, adding that the meeting was postponed to allow for alternative avenues of amicable resolution.
Yakoob, while clarifying on the claims of protest by some professors, said the university respected the right of staff to peaceful expression.
He debunked allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, as no such meeting occurred.
