Civil Society Coalition for Educational Devt Describes Prof. Maikudi's Emergence as UniAbuja VC as Emancipation for Youth, Women »

The umbrella body of twenty five Civil Society groups at the forefront of educational development advocacy, Civil Society Coalition for Educational Development has congratulated the former acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Maikudi on her emergence as the substantive head of the academic institution, describing it as a win for excellence, youth and women.

Recall that Prof. Maikudi, 41 was announced the 7th substantive VC of the school during the 77th Extraordinary Meeting of the Governing Council on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

The group said despite stern opposition against her emergence, predicated on biases and prejudices, she gallantly triumphed, emerging the best among the 10 shortlisted candidates interviewed by the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the University, in line with the extant regulations governing the process.

In a congratulatory message on Wednesday by the National President of the CSO, Dr Wisdom Ohalete Chinedu, he expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the University for their steadfastness and uprightness despite the intimidation and threats by vested interests who were bent on turning logic upside down to favour certain candidates.

The group acknowledged her contributions in the last six months that she has occupied the office in acting capacity, a period that enabled her work closely with the Governing Council to stabilise the University through a challenging crisis, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment.

It said, “Her emergence highlights the brilliance and creativity our young people wield in bringing the desired change that will announce our nation to the world through excellent leadership.

“Young, energetic and highly experienced, Prof. Maikudi has an institutional memory of the University of Abuja, having joined the school as a Lecturer II far back September 2008 and rose through the ranks to become a professor of law.

“She has also through diligence, sense of dedication and commitment worked her way to the top in the last 16 years. She has established a new cordial relationship with her colleague lecturers, the students and the university community in general, which is attributable to the jubilation that trailed her choice as the next VC of the school.

“At a time when there has been a sustained campaign for women inclusion in leadership, this is indeed a big win and the feedback has been very fantastic.

“We have no shadow of doubt that Prof. Maikudi will build on the legacy of her predecessor and reposition the university as a citadel for the development of our human capacity in technology, innovation, and research so that our country will be a hub for job creation which will foster accelerated development”, he stated.

The VC’s appointment takes effect from Wednesday, January 1, 2025.