The College of Abuja has denied claims of bias and irregularities within the ongoing choice technique of the Vice Chancellor.
PUNCH On-line stories that senior professors on the establishment on Tuesday, protested what they described as a “flawed” course of for the appointment of the establishment’s new vice-chancellor.
The establishment has been enmeshed in disaster following the exit of the speedy previous VC, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, on July 1.
Na’Allah, earlier than his exit because the VC, commenced the method for the appointment of his successor.
Although Na’Allah handed over to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teachers, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, a legislation professor, in an appearing capability, there was stress within the establishment as sure stakeholders insisted that Maikudi didn’t have sufficient years of qualification as a professor to achieve such peak.
In a press release on Wednesday issued by the Performing Director of Data and College Relations, Habib Yakoob, the college dismissed claims that Maikudi is being unfairly favoured.
It acknowledged that Maikudi, like all different candidates who utilized for the place, is absolutely certified and competent for the position, including that she has successfully managed her obligations as appearing vice-chancellor over the previous six months.
The college stated it’s dedicated to a clear and merit-based choice course of carried out underneath related laws.
The assertion learn, “These stories, which embrace claims of imposing a candidate—particularly the Performing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi—in addition to allegations of journalist harassment and protests by some professors, are deceptive and exaggerated.
“The truth is, her exceptional accomplishments throughout this era have garnered widespread applause and commendation inside and past the College.
“Efforts to malign her candidacy are baseless, unwarranted, and seem geared toward creating pointless stress and distracting the College Council from its mandate.
“The college stays assured within the Council’s capability to conduct a clear, truthful, and merit-based choice course of, adhering strictly to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and different related statutes. Yakoob assured that the Council has structured the method to make sure the emergence of essentially the most competent and visionary chief to propel the establishment towards better achievements.”
Concerning the Senate assembly, the assertion learn, “Whereas a gathering had been initially scheduled to handle the conduct of two Senate members who walked out of the Joint Council/Senate Choice Board assembly regarding choice standards, the assembly was in the end postponed to discover various avenues for amicable decision.”
On stories of protests by some professors, Yakoob reaffirmed the College’s respect for workers rights to peaceable expression. Nevertheless, he categorically denied allegations of coercion or confrontation in the course of the supposed Senate assembly, clarifying that no such assembly occurred.
Regarding claims of a Channels Tv journalist being manhandled, Yakoob disclosed that the college administration completely investigated the incident.
The establishment’s spokesman acknowledged that the findings revealed that the problem stemmed from a misunderstanding relating to the journalist’s identification and function on campus.
He defined that one of many journalist’s automobile tyres was briefly immobilised to stop unauthorized departure, and at no level was the journalist detained, assaulted, or subjected to hurt.
“Moreover, no journalist who correctly recognized themselves was denied entry to the College premises,” the assertion added.
The college reiterated its dedication to fostering constructive relationships with the media and making certain the security and safety of all people inside its group.
“Because the establishment continues to uphold its mission of offering high quality schooling and fostering innovation, it calls on all stakeholders to permit the choice course of to proceed with out undue interference or politicization. The method can be concluded with the utmost integrity and in the perfect pursuits of the College,” the assertion concluded.