Concerns Rise Over Allegations of Manipulation and Lowering of Qualification Standards in UNIABUJA VC Selection Process

The selection process for a new Vice Chancellor at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) is facing mounting tension as allegations of attempts to manipulate the proceedings to favor a particular candidate have surfaced. The recent meeting of the university's Governing Council was marked by heated discussions, highlighting a growing divide among council members regarding adherence to established qualification standards.

As the tenure of the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, nears its end on July 1, 2024, the previous Governing Council had issued an advertisement in March for qualified candidates. However, following the dissolution of several university governing bodies and the establishment of new councils, a second advertisement was published in August, which notably omitted the critical requirement of 10 years of post-professorial experience—an essential criterion established by the Federal Ministry of Education.

This omission has sparked outrage among stakeholders, with the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) previously condemning the initial advertisement issued under Na’Allah’s administration. ASUU Chairman, Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh, had expressed serious concerns about the integrity of the selection process and alleged breaches of regulatory guidelines.

The current Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, appointed shortly after Na’Allah’s departure, has taken charge as the selection process unfolds. In a recent statement, the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized the union’s vigilance regarding the ongoing situation. “We are aware of the complaints and are monitoring the council's actions closely,” he remarked, acknowledging that the council's responsibilities include forming a Selection Committee and ensuring a transparent process.

Responding to inquiries, Mallam Yahya Mohammed, the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, confirmed awareness of the complaints surrounding the recent advertisement. “We are currently reviewing the applications received and are committed to maintaining the integrity of the selection process,” he stated, while refraining from commenting on the specific qualifications required.

Attempts to reach key figures in the university, including Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman, Acting VC Maikudi, and Chairman of the Governing Council AVM Ismaila Kaita, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered and messages were not returned.

The unfolding situation at UNIABUJA has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection process, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting further developments.