Forty Professors Compete for UniAbuja VC Position

The University of Abuja's Joint Council and Senate Selection Board is finalizing its selection of a Vice-Chancellor from 40 candidates, as the Federal Government mandates a December 31, 2024, deadline.

Forty Professors Compete for UniAbuja VC Position

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) is in the final stages of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor, with 40 professors from within and outside the institution vying for the position. The Joint Council and Senate Selection Board is tasked with concluding the selection process before the Federal Government’s December 31, 2024, deadline.

The search follows the departure of former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah, on July 1, 2024. However, the selection process has been contentious, with deep divisions within the university community.

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Two leading candidates, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Acting VC and Professor of International Law, and Prof. Sani Abubakar Mashi, a Professor of Geography and former Executive Council member of the World Meteorological Organization, have sparked debates due to their ties to Katsina State. A meeting held earlier this week ended inconclusively after two Senate representatives, Prof. Kasim Waziri and Prof. Rosemary Udeozor, walked out, alleging bias in the process.

Despite allegations of favoritism and misconduct surrounding the acting VC, the Pro-Chancellor, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (rtd.), has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to a transparent and merit-based selection process.

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The university community awaits the announcement of a new Vice-Chancellor as the selection board races to meet the government’s deadline.

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