Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, has been accused of removing senior academics and professors from positions such as departmental heads due to their opposition to her appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor.

According to sources within the university, Maikudi has replaced these experienced individuals with inexperienced junior lecturers, some of whom have been assigned to head departments unrelated to their field of study.
The sources describe the university as being in a state of decay, with academic culture deteriorating rapidly. They allege that Maikudi’s actions are aimed at consolidating her position as Vice Chancellor, despite concerns about the legitimacy of her appointment.

The situation has sparked concerns about the impact on students, with calls for the National Universities Commission (NUC) to intervene and address the issue promptly.

One of the sources said: “University of Abuja stinks as academic culture decays uncontrollably, as senior academics and professors who reject the illegal Vice Chancellor Prof Aisha Maikudi are being removed as HODs and Directors.

“She is now replacing them with inexperienced junior lecturers some of which were taken from one department to head a complete different department not related to what they studied.

“National Universities Commission (NUC) should please quickly go and remedy the situation for the interest of students,” the source said.

It should be recalled that senior professors of the University, boycotted the last Senate meeting which pushed her to appoint inexperienced ones to have them sit in senate.
Newsmen reported on January 7 that University of Abuja’s Senate members, comprising 43 professors, had petitioned President Tinubu, expressing their total loss of faith and confidence in the Governing Council.

In a petition dated January 2, 2025, the professors alleged that the Governing Council had demonstrated a lack of integrity, competence, and fairness in the selection of the school’s substantive VC.

The petitioners specifically criticised the council’s handling of the Vice Chancellor appointment process, which they claim was marred by irregularities and a disregard for due process.

They urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address the situation and restore the integrity of the university’s governance.UNIABUJA

SaharaReporters reported on December 31, 2024 that the Senate had passed a vote of no confidence on the Governing Council, citing manipulation of the Vice-Chancellor appointment process and breach of university laws.

In a letter to the Minister of Education, dated December 27 and signed by 43 Senate members, they urged the minister to dissolve the Governing Council, declare their proceedings null and void, and reconstitute a new council to oversee a fresh and fair appointment process.

The 43 Senate members who signed the letter include: Professor Olanrewaju Aladeitan, Prof. Umaru D. Muhammed, Prof. Mabel I.E Evwiohana, Prof. Jude Omeje, Prof. Effiok Bassey Uwatt, Prof. Ifeoma Echezona, Prof. S.A.J Obansa, Dr. Yekeen Abdulmalik, Prof. F. N Ogwueleka, Prof. M.O Durojaye, Prof. Ndana R.W, Prof. W.D Nafarnda, Prof. O.F Ajagbona, Prof. Yusuf Ahmadu, Prof. Yau Muhammed Damagum, Prof. Abdulhamid Ozohu-Suleiman and Prof. Philip Akpen.

Others are Prof. Rosemary Udeozor, Prof. Otaki Alananan, Prof. Simon Abochol, Prof. Saleh Dauda, Prof. Muhammed A. Katcha, Prof. J.O Ogedendenge, Prof. Aisuodionoe-Shadrach O.I, Prof Sani Saka, Prof. Yusuf Zoaka, Prof. Muktar A. Muhammed, Prof. J.J. Ndana, Prof. Nkiruka C. Odoh, Prof. Ejeikwu E.O., Prof. Simon M.K, Prof. M.U Ndagi, Prof. Obida Gobna, Prof. Shimawua Atimga, Dr. Sylvester S.; Prof. C.B.I Alaw, Prof. A. M Maisamari, Prof. I.C. Nnadi, Prof. G.M Oladele, Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Prof. James Ojobo, Prof. Magdalene Igbolo and Prof. Ishaya M. Dagwa.