UniAbuja Leadership Conflict: Pro-Chancellor Accuses Acting VC Maikudi of Bias in Hiring Process and Overstepping Authority

University of Abuja’s Pro-Chancellor accuses Acting VC of leveraging her role for a permanent appointment and violating hiring protocols, sparking high-stakes conflict within the institution’s leadership.

Retired Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, has accused Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aisha Maikudi of using her temporary role to further her candidacy for the permanent position of Vice Chancellor.

In a letter addressed to Nigeria’s Minister of Education, obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, Kaita responded to Maikudi’s prior complaints, which she had also submitted to the minister. Maikudi had accused Kaita and the governing council of administrative misconduct and practices that threaten the university’s stability and governance.

Among Maikudi’s concerns was the appointment process for a new bursar, which she claimed had been marred by procedural breaches and external influence. She also noted a conflict over her proposed selection of an Acting Registrar, saying that Kaita had rejected her candidate without substantiated grounds.

This latest dispute follows a previous report indicating that Kaita and the governing council may have adjusted hiring criteria to ease Maikudi’s appointment as substantive Vice Chancellor, raising doubts about the fairness of the process.

In response, Kaita stated that Maikudi’s criticisms stemmed from her desire to secure the VC position. He emphasized that Maikudi, as a candidate for the role, should have recused herself from relevant discussions, noting that her involvement raised concerns over conflicts of interest.

Regarding Maikudi’s claims about the bursar selection process, Kaita asserted that the council followed established procedures, with federal oversight ensuring transparency. He dismissed Maikudi’s accusation of interference, adding that her preferred candidate had ranked lower than an external applicant in the interview.

On the Acting Registrar appointment, Kaita contended that Maikudi had overstepped her authority, choosing a candidate who was less senior, against council preference. He added that her appointment had been approved only temporarily, pending further administrative review.

In conclusion, Kaita criticized Maikudi for bypassing him in her complaints to the minister, calling her actions a breach of protocol and a challenge to the authority of the university’s governing council.

READ ALSO: Na’Allah Steps Down as UniAbuja VC, Hands Over to Maikudi

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SAHARA REPORTERS