Security agents attack journalists, damage vehicle as UniAbuja professors protest
Security agents have attacked the Channels Television’s crew during its coverage of a protest by professors of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).
The professors were protesting the selection process for the vice-chancellor of the university.
However, on arrival at the school, security operatives attacked Channels Television’s team, damaging its vehicle. The gun-wielding men manhandled members of the crew before detaining them for over an hour.
Footage of the attack showed some of the security men forcing members of the Channels Television’s crew to come down from the vehicle they came with for the coverage of the protest.
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has been embroiled in a deep crisis over the process of appointing a new vice chancellor, following the exit of Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah on July 1.
Read Also:Alumni reject proposed renaming of University of Abuja
At the heart of the dispute are allegations that the new Governing Council, in collaboration with certain staff members, was attempting to install the acting VC of the University, Professor Aisha Maikudi, as the substantive VC despite claims that she does not meet the advertised criteria for the position.
Some alleged that Maikudi, a professor of International Law, was appointed to her role under questionable circumstances.
It is claimed that she became a professor in 2022 and was thereafter named Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) due to the influence of her father, a prominent figure in Katsina State.
Maikudi’s father is said to have played a role in ensuring Prof. Na’Allah’s appointment as VC of the University of Abuja about five years ago. In return, Maikudi was appointed DVC before becoming acting VC in 2022.
Critics claimed that the criteria for VC appointments were lowered to favour Maikudi. However, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Sadiq Ismaila Kaita, has dismissed any allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that due process was being followed in the appointment of the UniAbuja vice chancellor.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations that the new governing council, in collaboration with certain staff members, is attempting to install Aisha Maikudi, despite her alleged ineligibility under the advertised criteria.
Comments are closed.