The University of Abuja is grappling with a governance crisis following the federal government’s dissolution of its Governing Council and removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi in February 2025.
The action, which also saw the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and subsequent imposition of two acting vice-chancellors within six months, has drawn criticism across quarters in the university community, with some arguing it contravenes the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003, otherwise known as the Autonomy Law.
Concerns raised include the replacement of the Governing Council with what was described as a “one-man council,” appointment of senior special assistants in place of deputy vice-chancellors, controversial promotions of staff, amnesty for expelled students, and delayed release of examination results for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The government also recently reappointed some members of the previously dissolved Council to serve in other federal universities, a development critics say validates the legitimacy of their prior decisions.
Education Stakeholders have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Visitor to the University, to intervene by reinstating Maikudi and other affected council members to restore stability and compliance with due process.
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