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Voice of African Universities Defends University of Abuja VC Amid Controversial Petition

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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“This outdated notion undermines the evolution of global academia, where merit and innovative leadership have become the hallmarks of university administration.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.

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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 We call on him to revisit outdated laws like the 10-year post-professorial requirement, which exclude many of the brightest minds from contributing to university leadership,” the group said.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.”

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Shettima Leads FG Delegation to Ethiopia on Nutrition Mission

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October 7, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Vice President, Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead a nutrition-focused peer exchange mission.

Shettima is attending the inaugural Nigeria-Ethiopia Nutrition Leadership Exchange Visit at the invitation of Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.

According to a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), the visit will enable both nations to share strategies on establishing a combined federal, state, and local compact for effective nutrition delivery.

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According to the statement, during the visit, the Nigerian delegation will study Ethiopia’s government-led, multi-sectoral approach to food security and tour several key sites, including: A wheat farm and banana plantation in Oromia, The ‘Bounty of the Basket’ Training Centre and community household initiatives in Mojo, and Jabdu Motors in Bishoftu.”

“The Vice President’s entourage includes Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; and Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar Abubakar,” it added.

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JUST IN: Military, DSS , Police Rescue 20 Kidnapped NYSC Members, Civilian in Imo

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October 7, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members and a civilian abducted while travelling through Imo State have been rescued in a joint operation by security agencies.

The victims were rescued by operatives of the military, Department of State Services and police following an intelligence-led search operation launched after the abduction.

The development was confirmed by security sources, who said the victims were receiving medical attention at a DSS facility.

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The prospective corps members were reportedly abducted while travelling through the state, prompting security agencies to mobilise for their rescue.

The coordinated operation involved the military, DSS, police and other security agencies.

The sources said the operation was intelligence-driven, leading security operatives to the location where the victims were held.

The rescue comes amid persistent concerns over the safety of travellers and NYSC members in parts of the country.

Authorities have commenced investigations into the abduction and are working to identify and arrest other suspects linked to the incident.

The rescued victims are expected to receive further attention as security agencies continue investigations into their ordeal.

The agencies have yet to disclose details of the identities of the victims, the exact location where they were rescued or whether any arrests have been made.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects involved in the abduction

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NDC Candidate Questions Barau’s Origin, Says He’s Not From Kano North

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October 7, 2026

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By Ahmad Muhammad.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Kano North Senatorial District, Nasiru Garo, has questioned the origin of the incumbent Senator, Barau Jibrin, saying he is not from the zone.

Garo, who spoke during his campaign tour of the district on Sunday, alleged that the Deputy President of the Senate had previously contested and won a House of Representatives seat in Tarauni Local Government, which is under Kano Central and not Kano North.

He claimed that from 1999 to 2023, Barau’s political base was outside Kano North, which is why he has not been sensitive to the needs of the people of the area.

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According to him, occupying a high office in the Senate should have translated to more development for Kano North, but the reverse is the case due to lack of commitment.

He listed the abandoned Gwarzo-Dayi Federal Road, which links several agrarian communities, as a major failure of the current representation in the district.

Garo also decried the failure to rehabilitate the Ghari Dam, noting that its revival would boost dry-season farming and create jobs for thousands of youths and farmers.

“The people of this zone have been shortchanged in terms of federal projects and employment opportunities,” he said.

The NDC candidate promised to give the district purposeful representation by ensuring completion of abandoned projects, reviving key dams, and attracting federal presence to the 13 local government areas of Kano North if elected

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