The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) is not opposed to the possibility of Prof. Aisha Maikudi becoming the substantive Vice-Chancellor, according to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (rtd.).
The Pro-Chancellor specifically denied any involvement in a circulated letter in which he was alleged to have accused Maikudi of misconduct and undue interference in the affairs of the institution.
Tension has gripped the school over the choice of a new Vice-Chancellor after the former VC, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah, vacated the position on July 1.
Some opposing interests, who are against Maikudi, a professor of International Law are said to have accused her of being favored through accelerated promotions to position her for appointment as the new substantive VC.
Raising the issue on behalf of the Pro-Chancellor in Abuja on Tuesday, the Concerned University of Abuja Stakeholders, led by Mohammed Adama, maintained that the purported letter was not only false but also a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation as an accomplished military officer and statesman.
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They stated: “At no point has he endorsed or opposed the candidacy of Prof. Aisha Maikudi or any other aspirant for the substantive role of Vice-Chancellor. His commitment is solely to ensuring a fair, transparent, and merit-based selection process.
“AVM Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita categorically dissociates himself from the letter attributed to him. He neither authored nor sanctioned any communication undermining the Acting VC as mischievously claimed.
“The contents of the alleged letter are a fabrication aimed at creating unnecessary tension within the university community and discrediting the leadership of the Governing Council.
“AVM Kaita, in his capacity as the Pro-Chancellor, has always maintained a principled and impartial stance on all matters concerning the governance of the university.
“His actions are driven solely by a commitment to uphold due process, transparency, and accountability, in line with the highest standards of university administration.
“It is important to emphasize that Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (retd.) is a man of integrity who has dedicated decades of service to the nation, reaching the pinnacle of his military career with honor.
“His singular focus as the Chairman of the Governing Council is to ensure that the university’s affairs are conducted in accordance with the rule of law and established procedures.
“He has no vested interest in the appointment of any individual to the position of Vice-Chancellor or any other administrative role within the university.
“Contrary to the claims made in the publications, Air Vice Marshal Kaita’s advocacy is for the observance of due process in all matters, to prevent any infractions from being committed either knowingly or unknowingly.
“It is pertinent to address the misinformation being circulated. The Pro-Chancellor has always acted in the best interest of the University of Abuja, guided by the principles of fairness and due diligence. The allegations that the Governing Council, under his leadership, is engaging in acts that compromise the university’s stability and governance are not only unfounded but also a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
“Furthermore, the insinuation that the Governing Council has manipulated the selection criteria to favor any candidate is a baseless accusation. The process for the selection of a substantive Vice-Chancellor and other key appointments has been, and will continue to be, conducted with the utmost integrity, ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines.
“In conclusion, AVM Kaita remains committed to his role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Abuja. He will continue to discharge his duties with the highest level of professionalism, ensuring that the university’s affairs are managed with transparency and accountability.
“We urge the public to disregard the misleading reports and to be cautious of unverified information that seeks to sow discord within the academic community.”
