IN a decisive move to address ongoing controversies in federal universities, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the removal of Professor Aisha Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) and dissolved the institution’s Governing Council. This action is part of a broader initiative to overhaul leadership across federal universities in Nigeria.
The decision follows a series of protests and petitions from within the UNIABUJA academic community. On January 2, 2025, 43 professors and academic doctors submitted a petition to President Tinubu, expressing a complete loss of faith in the Governing Council’s integrity and competence. They alleged that the council manipulated the selection process to favor Professor Maikudi, who, according to them, did not meet the requisite qualifications for the Vice-Chancellor position. Specifically, they pointed out that she had only two years of experience as a professor, falling short of the typical requirement of at least ten years.
The petitioners also highlighted several procedural irregularities, including the improper composition of the Governing Council and undue interference in the selection process. They called for the dissolution of the council and the initiation of a fresh, transparent appointment process to restore the university’s integrity.
In response to these concerns, President Tinubu has not only addressed the situation at UNIABUJA but has also taken steps to reform leadership in other federal universities. Notably, he dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and removed its Vice-Chancellor and Registrar following reports of illegal appointments and disregard for due process.
These actions underscore the administration’s commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in the nation’s higher education system. By addressing these leadership challenges, the government aims to restore confidence in the governance of federal universities and ensure that academic standards are maintained.
The academic community and other stakeholders have lauded these decisive measures, expressing hope that they will lead to improved governance and academic excellence in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. As the government moves forward with these reforms, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the broader landscape of higher education in the country.
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