Sadiq el-Saye of the Faculty of Social Science, University of Abuja (UniAbuja), has called for an end to the “campaign of calumny” against Aisha Maikudi, acting Vice Chancellor of the university, from becoming UniAbuja’s substantive VC.
In an opinion article in the Vanguard, Mr el-Saye argued that those opposed to the acting vice chancellor “are simply scared stiff of her intimidating CV: academic and administrative accomplishments.”
Since joining UniAbuja in 2008 as a Lecturer II, Prof Maikudi has held the position of Head of Department, Deputy Dean of Faculty, Director of one of the key centres of the university, Deputy Vice Chancellor and currently Acting Vice Chancellor of the university.
Mr el-Saye had alleged in the article published on Monday, October 14, of a plot by some unnamed people to prevent Prof Maikudi from becoming UniAbuja’s next substantive vice chancellor.
Prof Maikudi is a 42-year-old professor of International Law, and since July 1, 2024, the acting vice chancellor of UniAbuja. She reported to be among about 80 applicants from within and outside of Nigeria that are interested in leading the university.
Mr el-Saye wrote that the argument that “only a professor of 10 years and above” can become a VC in UniAbuja by those opposed to Prof Maikudi, was false, and a “well-oiled campaign of calumny, rooted in a conspiratorial grand plot” to stop her becoming UniAbuja’s substantive VC.
He said there are no age limits in the Universities Miscellaneous Act and the University of Abuja Act, “the two legal instruments that decide who becomes VC in the university,” that prevents Prof Maikudi from vying for the position.
He further elaborated that “…more than half of the vice chancellors of all Nigerian universities (federal, state and private) attained the positions with less than 10-year experience as professors as at the time of appointment.”
Mr el-Saye said that “another falsehood being deliberately and maliciously” spread by those opposed to Prof Maikudi, was the allegation that the standard was lowered in the second advert by the management of UniAbuja in August, to allow her to apply.
He recalled how ASUU protested and insisted that the first advert be canceled or reviewed, with members of the union in the university embarking on an 83-day strike to press home their demands.
“Eventually, Council conceded and reviewed the advert to the open elation of many. For two months all was calm – until when it emerged that Aisha Maikudi was among the 25 fresh applicants,” he said.
“Clearly Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi is a towering intellectual titan and proven deft administrator. This reality is very difficult to accept by her detractors and those angling to return UniAbuja to the years of the locust,” Mr el-Saye added.
