By Damilola Adeleke

The crisis at the University of Abuja over the appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor has escalated. Over 50 professors and senior lecturers went on protest at the Federal Ministry of Education, demanding that the Minister address what they describe as a flawed and illegal appointment process.

Sources reveal the protesters are pushing for the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council and a reconstitution of the selection process. They cite irregularities and breaches of university laws, emphasizing that similar swift actions were taken in the case of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU).

In a December 31 vote, the Senate members passed a vote of no confidence in the Governing Council, claiming the Vice-Chancellor selection process was manipulated. A December 27 letter signed by 43 Senate members urged the Minister of Education to declare the council’s actions null and void, warning of potential damage to Nigeria’s higher education system.

Recent developments include allegations of Prof. Maikudi deploying local vigilantes to disrupt a Senate meeting and attempts to replace dissenting Senate members on the selection board. The situation continues to draw widespread criticism, with stakeholders calling for adherence to due process, fairness, and merit.

Further updates are expected as the protesting lecturers plan to hold a world press conference to amplify their grievances.