A leadership crisis has erupted at the University of Abuja following allegations and counter-allegations between the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, and the Pro-Chancellor, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma'ila Kaita (Rtd).
In a letter dated November 6, 2024, to the Minister of Education, Prof. Maikudi accused the governing council of irregularities in administrative functions, citing concerns over the appointment of a new bursar and acting registrar. She also alleged misuse of council resources and interference in university management.
Responding to these allegations, the Pro-Chancellor dismissed Maikudi's claims as attempts to secure her position as substantive Vice-Chancellor. According to Kaita, Maikudi, who is currently a candidate for the permanent VC position, participated in council meetings that determined the job requirements despite her clear conflict of interest.
The Pro-Chancellor further revealed that Maikudi's preferred candidate for bursar scored 67.7% in interviews, while the council's chosen candidate scored 76.9%. He also criticized her appointment of a 2017 Deputy Registrar as Acting Registrar, bypassing ten more senior officials who had served since 2010.
Kaita questioned Maikudi's decision to write directly to the Minister, describing it as a breach of administrative procedure that could warrant a query. The dispute highlights growing tensions over university governance and leadership selection processes at one of Nigeria's prominent institutions.
The controversy comes amid earlier reports in October about alleged attempts to modify qualification standards for the Vice-Chancellor position, raising concerns about the integrity of the selection process.
