Federal High Court Delays Judgment in UniAbuja VC Suit Amidst Governance Dispute
The plaintiffs sought an injunction to prevent Na’Allah from conducting further elections until the current members’ tenure ends in July 2025.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned judgment in a suit filed against the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Rasheed Na’Allah. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/683/2024, was filed by six senior lecturers challenging Na’Allah's decision to call for fresh elections for Senate and Congregation council members before the expiration of the current members' tenure.
Justice Inyang Ekwo presided over the proceedings where counsel for the plaintiffs, Maxwell Opara, and Na’Allah’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, presented their arguments. The judge indicated that a date for judgment would be communicated to the involved parties, emphasizing the possibility of delivering judgment during the court vacation if necessary.
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The plaintiffs sought an injunction to prevent Na’Allah from conducting further elections until the current members’ tenure ends in July 2025. They also alleged that despite the ongoing litigation, Na’Allah proceeded to conduct elections for the university's Governing Council, prompting the plaintiffs to seek interim relief through an ex-parte motion to halt the inauguration of newly elected members.
The case underscores ongoing disputes over university governance and autonomy under the Universities Autonomy Act, reflecting broader issues within Nigeria's educational sector.
