The appointment of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja has sparked a wave of controversies, fueled by a group of dissenting stakeholders. This group, comprising some academics and members of the university’s Senate, has launched a series of media campaigns alleging irregularities in the selection process. Despite these claims, the University’s Governing Council, chaired by AVM Ismaila Sadik Kaita (rtd), insists that the appointment process was transparent and in full compliance with due process.

The group, informally referred to in the media as “43 Senate Members” or “40 Professors,” has been accused of inflating their numbers to create an illusion of widespread discontent within the institution. A recent petition signed by over 109 Senate members debunked these claims, with many individuals distancing themselves from the group. Allegations raised by the dissenters, including unsubstantiated claims of financial mismanagement and improper conduct by the Vice-Chancellor, have been dismissed as baseless by the Council and other stakeholders.

At the heart of the unrest is a series of orchestrated attempts to tarnish the reputation of the Vice-Chancellor and the University’s leadership. Allegations such as unilateral decisions regarding the convocation date and misuse of funds for chartered flights have been described as false and lacking verifiable evidence. Critics have also cited a purported N3.2 billion fraud linked to past administrative regimes, attempting to tie it to Professor Maikudi’s father, a former Council chairman. However, the Council clarified that this matter had been investigated, with irregularities addressed during the former chairman’s tenure.

Meanwhile, activities at the University of Abuja continue undisturbed, with lectures resuming, administrative tasks ongoing, and projects being handed over to end users. Under the leadership of Professor Maikudi and the Governing Council, the University has remained focused on its academic and infrastructural development. Observers have urged the dissenting group to abandon their smear campaigns and support the institution’s growth, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration to achieve sustainable progress.