UniAbuja governing council to be inaugurated Thursday –Acting VC
By Emmanuel Ologun Abuja
The University of Abuja Governing Council will be inaugurated on Thursday 4 July 2024 to end several months of bickering between both academic and general staff unions and management over alleged illegalities and arbitrary actions, considered unconstitutional.
Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, Professor Aísha Saní Maikudi, who made this known in Abuja expressed the hope that the presence of the governing council will end the prolonged impasse in the university, which has negatively impacted development in the ivory tower.
Aísha, who spoke after receiving handover notes from the former VC, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah said: “With the Governing Council in place, I am confident that we will soon see a return to normalcy, allowing us to focus on our primary mission of education and research.
“I believe that this development will bring an end to the impasse we have been experiencing in the University.”
Prof. Maikudi paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, stating that Prof. Na’Allah’s leadership has guided the Abuja university community through many significant milestones.
While accepting to serve as head of the university community, Prof. Maikudi said, “It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the Acting Vice Chancellor of this esteemed institution.
“I am honoured to accept this role and pledge to build upon the outstanding work of my predecessor, whose leadership has guided us through many significant milestones.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, our outgoing Vice Chancellor, whose leadership and vision have guided us to where we stand today.
“Your tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the university have laid a solid foundation for us to build upon, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Our university is a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and community engagement.
“Each member of our academic family, from faculty and staff to students and alumni, plays an essential role in sustaining and enhancing our mission. Together, we have cultivated an environment that fosters intellectual growth, creative exploration, and the pursuit of excellence.
“I am pleased to inform you that the University Governing Council will be inaugurated on Thursday, July 4, 2024. I believe that this healthy development will bring an end to the impasse we have been experiencing in the university. With the Governing Council in place, I am confident that we will soon see a return to normalcy, allowing us to focus on our primary mission of education and research.”
The acting VC appealed to members of the academic staff, students and other workers to give peace a chance for the overall good and benefit of the institution, while also promising to uphold the highest standards of administration and prioritise development.
She said “As we embark on this new chapter, I am committed to upholding the values that define our university.
“My priorities will include: ensuring that our programmes continue to meet the highest standards of quality and rigour, while also adapting to the evolving needs of our students and society.
“Research and Innovation which will include supporting our faculty and students in their groundbreaking research endeavours, and fostering an environment where innovative ideas can thrive; Prioritising the well-being and development of our students, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed both academically and personally.
“Recognising the critical role our staff play in the success of our university, I am committed to ensuring their welfare. This includes providing a supportive and rewarding work environment; opportunities for professional development, and addressing their concerns promptly and effectively.
“Community Engagement, especially in strengthening our ties with local, national, and global communities, and reinforcing our commitment to social responsibility and public service. Inclusivity and diversity in the form of promoting a campus culture that values and respects diversity, ensuring that everyone feels included and empowered to contribute to our collective success.
“I am deeply aware of the challenges we face, but I am equally confident in our collective ability to overcome them. Our strength lies in our unity and our shared dedication to the principles of education and research. I encourage each of you to continue to bring your passion, ideas, and energy to our university, as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Earlier, the former VC, Prof. Na’Allah, in an emotion-ladden speech, thanked the university community for patiently working with him in the past five years, and appealed to members of the community, especially the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to accept and work peacefully with the acting vice chancellor, “to enable the university grow more rapidly, stressing that together, the institution will continue to advance and be inspired, to challenge and be challenged, and to strive for the extraordinary”.