UNIABUJA APPOINTS 41-YEAR OLD PROFESSOR NEW SUBSTANTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR 

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja, chaired by Air Vice-Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita (Rtd), has announced the appointment of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university. Her appointment was approved during the Council’s 77th Extraordinary Meeting held on December 31, 2024, and will take effect on January 1, 2025, for a non-renewable tenure of five years.

Selection Process and Controversy:A statement by Dr. Habib Yakoob, Acting Director of Information and University Relations, revealed that Maikudi emerged as the top candidate among ten shortlisted individuals interviewed by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board.

However, the process faced criticism as external Council members boycotted the meeting, citing irregularities in due process. Allegations include the absence of key Council members, lack of transparency, and claims that Prof. Maikudi was favored despite concerns about her academic qualifications.A petition signed by 67 professors urged the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to dissolve the Governing Council and initiate a fresh selection process. They warned that failure to act could set a negative precedent for higher education governance in Nigeria.

Prof. Maikudi’s Journey and Achievements Born on January 31, 1983, in Katsina State, Prof. Maikudi is a scholar of international repute and professor of International Law. Her academic milestones include an LLB from the University of Reading, an LLM from the London School of Economics, and a Ph.D. in International Law from the University of Abuja. Joining the University of Abuja as a Lecturer II in 2008, she rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2021. Over the years, she has held pioneering leadership roles, including:

– First Female Head of Department (2013)

– Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law (2018)

– Director, International Centre (2019)

– Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Her contributions to academia include the introduction of a ‘United Nations Law’ course and numerous scholarly publications. She has represented Nigeria at international conferences across the UK, US, South Africa, and beyond.

Looking Ahead Prof. Maikudi’s appointment marks a new chapter for the University of Abuja. Her leadership promises to bring innovation, stability, and academic excellence to the institution.