The University of Abuja’s Governing Council, chaired by Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, has fixed tomorrow (Tuesday), December 31, for the 77th Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Council to announce the appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the current acting vice-chancellor, as the substantive VC, SaharaReporters has learned.
The notice, issued and signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Islamiyat F. Abdulrahim, stated that the meeting is sheduled for 5 p.m. and will be held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Senate Building, Main Campus, Airport Road, Abuja.
Meanwhile, the notice of the meeting obtained by SaharaReporters reads: “The 77th Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Governing Council has been scheduled to hold as follows:
“Date: Tuesday, 31st December, 2024.
“Time: 5:00 pm.
“Venue: Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Senate Building, Main Campus, Airport Road, Abuja.
“Kindly endeavor to attend.”
SaharaReporters reported earlier on Monday that at least two candidates for the Vice Chancellor position at the school had opted out of the interview process, expressing concerns about the selection process’s legitimacy.
Specifically, they pointed to irregularities, inadequate adherence to due process, and a lack of transparency as the reasons for their decision to decline the invitation.
SaharaReporters learnt that the candidates also expressed reservations about the short notice given for the interview, receiving invitations less than 24 hours before its commencement. They claimed that their invitations were merely a formality to legitimise a predetermined outcome, rather than a genuine opportunity to compete for the position.
SaharaReporters reported on Sunday that the University of Abuja’s Governing Council, chaired by Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita, had scheduled interviews for Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31, to select the university’s substantive vice-chancellor.
The development came amidst controversy surrounding the potential appointment of Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the current acting vice-chancellor, as the substantive VC.
However, sources told SaharaReporters on Monday that despite that the Senate members elected to joint selection board were not available, the chairman of the selection board went ahead with the interviews in utter disregard for due process and legal procedures.
One of the sources said, “Yes, the chairman is conducting the interviews now. That is what is happening and they have slated a council meeting for 5 p.m. tomorrow to announce her (Prof Maikudi) as the substantive VC.”