Crisis has engulfed the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), following the appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Aisha Maikudi and the process for the selection of a substantive VC. 


On Tuesday, professors in the university staged  a protest against the selection process, while journalists were attacked by security operatives at the scene and detained for over an hour.


The university has been embroiled in crisis over the appointment process for a new vice-chancellor, following the exit of Professor Abdulrasheed Na’Allah on July 1.


Some staff of the university alleged that the new Governing Council, in collaboration with certain staff members, are attempting to install the acting VC as the substantive head despite claims that she does not meet the advertised criteria for the position.


Some alleged that Maikudi, a Professor of International Law, was appointed under questionable circumstances. It is claimed that she became a professor in 2022 and was thereafter named Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) due to the influence of her father, a prominent figure in Katsina State.


They alleged that her father played a prominent role in ensuring Professor Na’Allah’s appointment  five years ago. They claimed that the criteria for the appointment was lowered to favour Maikudi. 


However, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Sadiq Kaita, dismissed allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that due process is being followed in the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor.