A group, the Voice of African Universities (VAU) has labelled a petition submitted to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, alleging a breach of federal guidelines in the appointment of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, as baseless and archaic.

The group in a press statement sent to the press on Thursday and signed by its Director Public Relations, Jean Luck Aglogan, said the controversial petition hinges on a primitive argument that a Vice-Chancellor must possess 10 years of post-professorial experience.

“This outdated notion undermines the evolution of global academia, where merit and innovative leadership have become the hallmarks of university administration. The issue of years post professorial experience is an old thing as even in Nigeria, there are many universities whose Vice Chancellors were appointed without such clause and a typical example is the Usman Danfodio University Sokoto,” it said.

VAU emphasized that Professor Maikudi’s extensive leadership experience far surpasses the traditional requirement. “Her cumulative roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Head of the Department of Public Law more than qualify her for the position,” the group argued stating that to insist on such limiting requirements in the 21st century is both regressive and counterproductive.

Highlighting Professor Maikudi’s international reputation and contributions to the evolution of the university of Abuja since assuming office, the group said, “under her leadership, the University of Abuja has gained visibility on the global stage. She represented the institution at conferences in Japan and Paris, effectively positioning it as a hub of excellence. Before her tenure, many didn’t even recognize the university’s potential.”

In an appeal to the minister, VAU urged the Minister to adopt a forward-thinking approach in handling the petition, stating that, “as a scholar with international exposure, particularly in the United States, the Minister understands the need for innovative leadership in academia. We call on him to revisit outdated laws like the 10-year post-professorial requirement, which exclude many of the brightest minds from contributing to university leadership,” the group said.

The VAU further alleged that the petition was driven by ulterior motives, accusing the Chairman of the Governing Council, Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Isma’ila Kaita (Rtd), of orchestrating a campaign to discredit Professor Maikudi. “It is no secret that Professor Maikudi’s refusal to succumb to Kaita’s militaristic style of governance has made her a target by him,” the group claimed.

They also criticized the broader trend of appointing retired military personnel as pro-chancellors of universities, stating that universities are centers of knowledge and innovation, not military barracks and as such the imposition of a rigid, hierarchical approach stifles academic freedom and development.

The group concluded by reaffirming its support for Professor Maikudi’s confirmation as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, expressing that by virtue of her education, experience, and vision, Professor Maikudi is the ideal leader for the University of Abuja.

“It is imperative that the Minister recognizes her contributions and elevates her to the position she rightfully deserves as the substantive vice chancellor of the university.”

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10. The decision was made by Justice Maryann Anenih during a hearing on Wednesday.

Justice Anenih’s ruling came after Bello and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge filed against them by the EFCC. The charges include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property linked to an alleged N110 billion

The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, and Petroleum Downstream to investigate allegations of financial irregularities by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The probe follows reports from the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Responsibility Commission, which claim that the NNPC withheld N8.48 trillion in purported petrol subsidy payments. Additionally, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report alleges that the NNPC failed to remit $2 billion (approximately N3.6 trillion) in taxes to the Federal Government.

The committees are tasked with verifying the total cumulative amount of unremitted revenue, labeled as “under-recovery,” from the sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the NNPC between 2020 and 2023.

This investigation comes amidst growing concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil revenues. Lawmakers have expressed the need to determine the accuracy of subsidy claims and ensure compliance with remittance obligations to prevent revenue leakage.

The committees are expected to report their findings to the House within a stipulated time frame, with recommendations for corrective actions and policy reforms to enhance fiscal accountability in the petroleum sector.