The University of Abuja (UniAbuja), one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions, is currently in the spotlight for reasons beyond academic excellence. A wave of protests has erupted on campus, led by professors and stakeholders who have raised serious concerns about the alleged bias and lack of transparency in the ongoing Vice-Chancellor (VC) selection process. The situation has not only disrupted the calm academic atmosphere but also raised broader questions about governance and accountability in Nigeria’s higher education system.
The controversy began when the process of selecting a new Vice-Chancellor for UniAbuja entered its final stages. Traditionally, such appointments are expected to follow a rigorous, merit-based procedure, overseen by the university’s governing council. However, several professors and senior staff members have alleged that the process was marred by favouritism, political interference, and a deliberate sidelining of qualified candidates.
Reports suggest that certain candidates were given undue advantage while others, despite meeting the requirements, were allegedly sidelined. This perception of unfairness and lack of transparency has fuelled anger and resentment among the academic community, culminating in a public outcry and, eventually, protests.
On December 24, 2024, a group of professors and concerned stakeholders staged a peaceful protest within the university premises. Their demands were clear: an impartial, transparent, and merit-driven selection process for the next Vice-Chancellor. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with what they described as a “manipulated process designed to favour certain individuals.”
One of the protest leaders, a senior professor, stated, “The future of this university depends on leadership integrity. If the selection process is flawed, the consequences will reverberate for years to come.”
The professors called on relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Education and the university’s governing council, to address the concerns urgently and ensure a credible process.
The protest took a disturbing turn when security operatives allegedly assaulted journalists from Channels Television who were covering the event. Reports indicate that the journalists were detained for over an hour, their equipment was tampered with, and their vehicle was vandalised.
The assault on the press has sparked widespread condemnation from media bodies, civil society organisations, and the general public. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has since called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the incident and ensure accountability.
In a public statement, SERAP remarked, “Assaulting journalists covering peaceful protests undermines press freedom and the public’s right to know. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
At the heart of the crisis lies the role of the university’s governing council, whose mandate is to oversee the VC selection process. Critics argue that the council has failed to maintain transparency and fairness, raising suspicions about external interference and vested interests.
Observers have also pointed out that political influence in the selection of Vice-Chancellors has become an unfortunate norm in Nigeria’s public universities. Such interference not only compromises the autonomy of academic institutions but also undermines meritocracy.
The UniAbuja protests reflect a deeper issue plaguing Nigeria’s higher education system. When key leadership positions are determined by bias, favouritism, or political influence, the consequences are far-reaching. Academic standards decline, administrative inefficiencies increase, and trust in the system erodes.
Moreover, the assault on journalists during the protests highlights a growing disregard for press freedom and accountability in handling public dissent. If such incidents go unchecked, they could set dangerous precedents for future governance crises in the education sector.
To address the ongoing crisis, several steps must be taken:
Transparent Investigation: An independent panel should be set up to review the VC selection process and address the concerns raised by the protesters.
Accountability for Assault: Those responsible for the assault on journalists must be identified and held accountable.
Clear Selection Guidelines: The university’s governing council must adhere strictly to established guidelines for selecting leadership positions.
Stakeholder Engagement: The concerns of professors, staff, and students must be heard and addressed in a transparent manner.
The UniAbuja protests are a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and transparency in university leadership appointments. At a time when Nigeria’s education sector faces numerous challenges, leadership crises like this further exacerbate existing problems.
If the concerns of the academic community are not addressed, the crisis risks escalating and setting a dangerous precedent for other institutions. The Federal Government, the university’s governing council, and all relevant stakeholders must act swiftly to restore trust, ensure transparency, and uphold the integrity of the Vice-Chancellor selection process.
Only then can UniAbuja, and indeed Nigeria’s higher education sector, move forward with renewed confidence and purpose.
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