Amid ongoing controversy at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) over the appointment of acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Aisha Maikudi as substantive VC without due process, over 40 professors and senior lecturers protested at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on Monday.
The demonstrators called on the Minister of Education to dissolve the university’s Governing Council and nullify what they described as a “charade” in the VC selection process.
“The protest aims to compel the Minister to take immediate corrective action,” a source said. Critics questioned the minister’s swift intervention in similar issues at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, while delaying action at UniAbuja.
In December 2024, UniAbuja Senate members passed a vote of no confidence in the Governing Council, citing manipulation of the VC appointment process. A letter signed by 43 Senate members urged the Minister to dissolve the council and ensure a fair selection process.
UniAbuja: Council Members Urge Education Minister to Address Alleged Irregularities
The crisis escalated when Prof. Maikudi allegedly deployed vigilantes to disrupt a Senate meeting, sparking outrage and protests.
The protesting academics emphasized that the flawed appointment process undermines the university’s credibility and called for the restoration of fairness, equity, and merit.
The Ministry of Education has yet to respond to the protest or issue a statement regarding the allegations.