Over 100 UniAbuja Staff Petition President Tinubu Over Removal of VC, Dissolution of Governing Council
A group of staff members from the University of Abuja has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to reverse the sudden removal of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor and the dissolution of the university’s 10th Governing Council. The petition, dated February 10, 2025, was addressed to the President through the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu.
The petition was signed by 105 academic staff of the university.
The controversy began on February 6, 2025, when a press statement issued by Mr. Bayo Onanuga announced the immediate dissolution of the university’s Governing Council, led by Air Vice Marshal Ismaila Kaita (rtd), and the removal of Professor Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor. The statement, dated February 3 but released on February 6, cited the need for “dynamic leadership and accountability” to revitalize Nigeria’s higher education system. Senator Lanre Tejuoso was appointed as the new Council Chairman, while Professor Patricia Manko Lar from the University of Jos was named Acting Vice-Chancellor for six months, with the stipulation that she would not be eligible to apply for the substantive position.
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The staff members, in their petition, argued that the removal of Professor Maikudi and the dissolution of the Governing Council were carried out without due process, violating the **Universities Miscellaneous Act 1993** and the **Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003**. They noted that the laws stipulate that a Vice-Chancellor can only be removed by the Governing Council on grounds of gross misconduct or inability to perform duties, following due process. Similarly, the Governing Council can only be dissolved by the Visitor (the President) on grounds of incompetence or corruption, neither of which was cited in the press statements.
The petition also highlighted that the Governing Council had recently concluded the selection process for the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, with Professor Maikudi emerging as the successful candidate. The process, which was conducted in accordance with the university’s laws, was reportedly disrupted by internal candidates who, after failing to influence the outcome, resorted to petitions and legal action to challenge the results. The staff members accused these individuals of spreading false information through media outlets and social platforms to discredit the process and the university’s leadership.
The petition further emphasized that the majority of the university’s staff and students support Professor Maikudi, describing her as a capable and popular leader who has taken decisive actions for the institution’s benefit. They also pointed out that her appointment aligns with the government’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment in leadership roles.
In their appeal to President Tinubu, the staff members requested the immediate restoration of Professor Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor and the reinstatement of the internally elected members of the Governing Council. They also called for the withdrawal of the press statements, which they argued were issued in violation of the laws governing university administration in Nigeria.
The petition concluded by expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, justice, and good governance, and urged him to take steps that would restore tranquility to the University of Abuja and uphold the autonomy of Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
The petition was signed by numerous staff members, including professors, senior lecturers, and other academic and administrative personnel, reflecting widespread concern over the recent developments at the university.
By PRNigeria
