The Governing Council of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) said it followed due process in the appointment of the 7th substantive vice chancellor for the school.

There are claims of bias and non-adherence to due process in the appointment of Aisha Maikudi as the VC of the school.

But the governing council has dismissed the claims.

“The Governing Council of the University of Abuja led by Air Vice Marshall Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd) has complied with the extant laws and laid down procedures and processes in the appointment of the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi,” the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Council Islamiyat Adulrahim said in a statement.

“Contrary to the insinuations in some quarters, the Council in making the appointment announced on 31st December 2024, strictly complied with the relevant provisions of the two main acts guiding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors of the University, namely, the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, NO 1 of 2007.

“The Council is not unaware of complaints raised by some interested parties in the course of the transition process, which commenced as far back as March 2024 when the University initially advertised the position of Vice-Chancellor.

“However, it is important to note that all such concerns and issues were considered and efforts made to resolve the issues amicably with the active involvement of major stakeholders in the University, including the Senate and the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). That explains the wide and enthusiastic acceptance of the announcement of the new Vice-Chancellor within and beyond the University community.

“Council appreciates that in a contest of eighty-seven applicants with only one winner expected to emerge, the losers must exhibit great sportsmanship and maturity to accept the outcome.

“This is necessary for the University to forge ahead and allow the brand-new substantive Vice-chancellor who served in an acting capacity in the past six months, to unfold and pursue her vision for the University in an atmosphere of inclusiveness and enduring corporate harmony.”