Staff members of the University of Abuja, both academic and non-academic, have stormed the federal ministry of education to demand action on the irregularities surrounding the appointment of Prof Aisha Maikudi as the substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.
A report by SaharaReporters said that staff members, who opposed the apparent disregard for the established guidelines and processes issued by the Ministry of Education during the inauguration of Chairmen and members of Councils of federal universities in 2024, have accused thr Minister, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, of compromising the process.
Referring to pages 12 and 15 of the Federal Ministry of Education handbook, which outline the procedures and qualifications for appointing a Vice Chancellor (VC), a staff member from the university, participating in a demonstration outside the ministry, told SaharaReporters that it was outrageous for the minister to continue ignoring their petitions and failing to take action.
“The woman (Prof Maikudi) appointed has only spent two years as a professor contrary to the guidelines of the ministry.
“The council did not follow the outlined steps 1 to 3 of page 14.”
“They also ignored the qualifications listed on page 15, particularly on the required years of experience as a professor,” one of the protestors said.
Another staff member expressed disappointment with the inaction of the minister who swiftly nullified the appointments of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State and disbanded the Council within a few days after their appointments, but has failed to act on the VC appointment at the University of Abuja.
According to the staff member, “it appears that the government is foot-dragging on the UNIABUJA issue.”
The source said, “It is a national shame. See folio or page 20 for the 10 year post professorial requirement for the appointment of VCs circulated by the FME during the inauguration of Chairmen and Members of Councils of federal universities in 2024. The conditions in this document were recklessly violated.”
“The law is very clear on the immediate dissolution of Council based either on incompetence or corruption. Both indices were palpably on display during the sham UNIABUJA Vice Chancellorship selection exercise,” the source added.
Recall that over 43 professors and Senate members of the University of Abuja had written to the Minister of Education over the alleged irregularities in the appointment of Maikudi as the substantive vice-chancellor of the University.
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