The Voice of African Universities (VAU) has dismissed as “baseless and archaic” a petition submitted to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, alleging a breach of federal guidelines in the appointment of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja.
In a press statement released on Thursday and signed by its Director of Public Relations, Jean Luck Aglogan, the group criticized the petition’s reliance on the claim that a Vice-Chancellor must have 10 years of post-professorial experience.
“This outdated notion undermines the evolution of global academia, where merit and innovative leadership have become the hallmarks of university administration.
The issue of years post-professorial experience is an old thing as even in Nigeria, there are many universities whose Vice Chancellors were appointed without such clause and a typical example is the Usman Danfodio University Sokoto,” the statement read.
VAU emphasized that Professor Maikudi’s extensive leadership experience surpasses conventional requirements.
“Her cumulative roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Head of the Department of Public Law more than qualify her for the position,” the group argued. They described the insistence on rigid criteria as “regressive and counterproductive” in today’s academic landscape.
Highlighting Professor Maikudi’s achievements, the group noted, “Under her leadership, the University of Abuja has gained visibility on the global stage. She represented the institution at conferences in Japan and Paris, effectively positioning it as a hub of excellence. Before her tenure, many didn’t even recognize the university’s potential.”
The group called on the Minister of Education to take a progressive stance in addressing the petition.
“As a scholar with international exposure, particularly in the United States, the Minister understands the need for innovative leadership in academia. We call on him to revisit outdated laws like the 10-year post-professorial requirement, which exclude many of the brightest minds from contributing to university leadership,” the group stated.
VAU further alleged that the petition was fueled by ulterior motives, accusing the Chairman of the Governing Council, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (Rtd), of leading a campaign to tarnish Professor Maikudi’s reputation.
“It is no secret that Professor Maikudi’s refusal to succumb to Kaita’s militaristic style of governance has made her a target,” the group claimed.
They also criticized the broader practice of appointing retired military personnel as pro-chancellors of universities.
“Universities are centers of knowledge and innovation, not military barracks. The imposition of a rigid, hierarchical approach stifles academic freedom and development,” the statement read.
VAU concluded by reaffirming its support for Professor Maikudi’s confirmation as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja.
“By virtue of her education, experience, and vision, Professor Maikudi is the ideal leader for the University of Abuja. It is imperative that the Minister recognizes her contributions and elevates her to the position she rightfully deserves,” the group stated.
