This incident follows earlier reports by SaharaReporters that professors at the university had staged a protest against the selection process for the new vice-chancellor, sparking a heated controversy within the institution.
A tense scene unfolded at the University of Abuja on Tuesday afternoon when the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, reportedly deployed over 30 local vigilantes to disrupt a Senate meeting, allegedly assaulting professors in the process.
This incident follows earlier reports by SaharaReporters that professors at the university had staged a protest against the selection process for the new vice-chancellor, sparking a heated controversy within the institution.
The University of Abuja has been in turmoil since Abdul Rasheed Na'Allah stepped down as Vice Chancellor on July 1, with the process of appointing his successor at the centre of the controversy.
At the heart of the issue is the alleged attempt by the acting Vice Chancellor and some others to manipulate the selection process.
In a move that's sparked outrage, the acting VC scheduled a meeting for Tuesday at 9 a.m. to replace Senate members on the joint selection board who refused to endorse a rigged selection process.
These Senate members were elected to the board to ensure a fair and transparent appointment of the new Vice Chancellor, but it seems the acting VC is trying to undermine their efforts.
The university has been plagued by accusations of improper procedures and favoritism in the selection process, with sources alleging that the acting VC, Aisha Maikudi, is being imposed on the institution despite not meeting the initial criteria for the position.
According to sources, the move is seen as a desperate attempt to impose Prof. Maikudi as the VC, taking advantage of the holiday season when many Senate members are away.
Sources claim that the Governing Council is divided, with some members feeling that Prof. Maikudi lacks the necessary experience as she has only three years of professorial experience under her belt.
Drama unfolded at the University of Abuja when a meeting scheduled for 9 am on Tuesday was pushed back to 11:30 am, leaving members waiting patiently.
Just as they were expecting the meeting to start, Prof. Afaha, the DVC Admin, arrived at 12:03 pm to deliver an apology from the Acting VC. The apology stated that the meeting had to be suspended at the request of the Council Chairman to allow for further consultation.
However, the Senate members were having none of it - they were incensed and shouted at Afaha to leave, refusing to accept the apology.
The scene was apparently unpleasant, with Afaha making a swift exit. In response, the members decided to hold their own meeting to come up with a resolution, which would then be forwarded to the Council Chairman.
"Prof. Katcha, as a former DVC was nominated to chair the meeting and Prof. Atimga was nominated to take minutes of the resolution. While the meeting was going on, vigilantes were unleashed on members,” one of the sources at the meeting told SaharaReporters.
“Tables and chairs were turned upside down with members falling and tumbling as they scampered to safety.”
"The vigilantes attempted seize the mobile phones of the Senate members who were recording their activities. Attendance sheets were torn. These vigilantes must have been given an overdose of illicit substances," one of the sources said, lamenting the chaos.
"Indeed, it was a sorry sight. I think this is lowest point we have got to in this University – beating Senate members? The desperation is unbelievable.
"Even when some members went to the main road to conclude how the
resolution should be produced and communicated to the Chairman, these chaps went to disperse them. It was like a Nollywood movie. Now the question is; how do we mobilise for another meeting that may be called at short notice between now and December 31, 2024?”
"Today it was clear they didn't have the members to thwart their evil plot and that was why this meeting was postponed," the source added.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters captures the moment Senate members sat patiently, awaiting the arrival of the acting Vice Chancellor to preside over a meeting she had called.
Another video obtained by SaharaReporters captures the moment the vigilantes entered the meeting room to disrupt it and drive out the Senate members.
However, efforts made by SaharaReporters to get the reaction of Prof. Maikudi failed as she did not answer calls to her mobile line. She also did not reply to a text message sent to her, seeking her comment.
VIDEO:Drama As Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Maikudi Allegedly Sends Vigilantes To Manhandle Professors At Senate Meeting pic.twitter.com/xSoNpTKlQ6
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 24, 2024