UniAbuja: Varsity principal officers back Maikudi’s appointment, pledge loyalty
Principal officers of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) expressed their support for Prof. Aisha Maikudi’s appointment as substantive vice chancellor of UniAbuja.
Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, and Directors of Centres, said they are with Professor Maikudi.
On Thursday, the university officials, on solidarity visit, applauded the appointment of 41-year-old Prof. Maikudi, describing it as a perfect fit.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of Faculties, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Abdulfatai Jimoh, ascribed her emergence to the will of God.
While insisting that the process that led to her eventual announcement followed due process, the don pledged loyalty to the vice chancellor, even as he prayed to God to protect and enrich her with wisdom.
“We have 17 Deans, and we have nothing less than 14 Deans here. As your representatives in the various faculties, to pay this visit and solidarize with you and to tell the whole world is with you.”
The same sentiments were shared by the Director, Centre for Distance Learning, Prof. Sadiq Abba; Head of Department, Food and Agric. Engineering, Ambasaador Mohammed Gana; Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. Titus Ibekwe, among others.
They urged the new VC to foster a sense of unity and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation in moving the institution forward.
They said by prioritizing reconciliation and unity, the young VC can create a positive, productive, and inclusive environment that benefits everyone and helps the institution thrive.
In her response, Maikudi emphasised the importance of healing and reconciliation, and
promised to work tirelessly to restore unity and trust, assuring the staff that she would not disappoint them.
Maikudi also extended an olive branch academic and non academic staff.
“I’m so happy and know that I can count on your support so that we can make our community grow. Let’s work together to make this place a beacon of success. I’m open to advice,” she said.
President Bola Tinubu, on January 2, 2025, was petitioned by 43 dons, seeking the dissolution of the Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (rtd)-led Governing Council of the University of Abuja, citing manipulation of the selection process in favour of Prof. Maikudi, an allegation the council vehemently denied.