Over 100 Staffs Petitions President Bola Tinubu, Calls For immediate Reinstatement Of Prof. Aisha Maikudi As The VC of UofA

A petition signed by 10 high-ranking professors of the University of Abuja, including deans of faculties and student affairs, is calling for the immediate restoration of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor. The petition, addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, argues that her removal was unjust and contrary to the laws regulating university governance and administration.

At the center of the controversy is the requirement that a professor must be 10 years in rank before becoming a Vice-Chancellor. However, the petitioners point out that this is not a law but a recommendation of the Federal Ministry of Education. They cite the example of Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, who became Vice-Chancellor at Federal University, Minna, just one year after becoming a professor.

The petitioners question why Professor Maikudi's case is being treated differently, suggesting that her removal may be due to her gender and age. They argue that the principle of Audi Alteram Partem – hear the other side – was not followed in her removal and that the decision was made without due process.

The petitioners are calling for the withdrawal of the press statements announcing Professor Maikudi's removal and the dissolution of the Governing Council. They believe that reversing these decisions will restore tranquility to the University of Abuja and uphold the principles of justice, equal opportunity, and good governance.

Some of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the University of Abuja Chapter has also weighed in on the controversy, condemning the removal of Professor Maikudi and the dissolution of the Governing Council. The union has called for the immediate restoration of the Vice-Chancellor and the council.

Students of the university have also taken to their online spaces and status to agitate the removal of Professor Maikudi, who they describe as a dedicated and hardworking administrator. The students argue that her removal will disrupt the academic calendar and cause unnecessary tension in the university.

The crisis at the University of Abuja has sparked a wider debate about the governance and administration of universities in Nigeria. Many have called for greater autonomy for universities and an end to political interference in the appointment of vice-chancellors.

As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the removal of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja has sparked a firestorm of protest and controversy that will not soon be extinguished.