VC position: UNIABUJA denies imposition of candidate

The Management of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has denied the allegations that the governing council is attempting to impose a candidate in the ongoing recruitment process for a substantive vice-chancellor.

A statement issued by the university’s spokesperson, Habib Yakoob, said the allegations are both misleading and exaggerated.

He said: “The University remains confident in the Council’s commitment to conducting a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process in strict adherence to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and other relevant statutes.

“The Council has meticulously structured the process to ensure the emergence of the most competent and visionary leader to steer the institution toward greater achievements”.

He explained that a senate meeting scheduled for Tuesday was postponed to allow for alternative avenues of amicable resolution between the council and two senate members who staged a walkout at the council meeting on Monday.

The two members walked out shortly after their inauguration as members of the selection committee on Monday.

The UNIABUJA council, therefore, scheduled a senate meeting to address the grievances of the two members who walked out of the meeting or have them replaced.

He said: “On the matter of the Senate meeting, while it is true that a meeting was initially scheduled to address the issue of two Senate members who walked out of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board meeting regarding the selection criteria, no such meeting ultimately took place. The meeting was postponed to allow for alternative avenues of amicable resolution.

“Regarding claims of protests by some professors, the university affirms that it respects the right of staff to peaceful expression. However, it categorically denies any allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, particularly as no such meeting occurred”.