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The Alumni Association of University of Abuja has insisted that there must be a transparent, fair and honest approach in the ongoing selection process for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for the institution.
National Publicity Secretary of the Association, Dr. Rauf Olaiya Sarafadeen-Kunle, took to a statement signed in Abuja on Thursday morning to sound the warning, urging the Governing Council of the University and key stakeholders to ensure that the process is credible, merit-based and devoid of external interference.
According to the Alumni Association, the office of the Vice-Chancellor remains the most critical in the university system, as it defines academic direction, administrative leadership, and institutional culture.
Sarafadeen-Kunle therefore stressed that the outcome of the process must reflect transparency and be seen by all stakeholders as beingnfair and legitimate.
“The Council must resist all external pressures, undue influences, or any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the selection process. The integrity of the University of Abuja is far more important than the ambition of any individual or interest group,” the statement read in part.
The Association also cautioned the Federal Ministry of Education to desist from actions capable of derailing the University’s growth and development, alleging that past interferences from the Ministry have disrupted administrative stability without due process, leaving negative precedents in the institution’s history.
While reaffirming its commitment to the ideals of fairness and institutional loyalty, the Alumni Association threw its weight behind the appointment of a home-grown professor as the next Vice-Chancellor.
It argued that the University of Abuja has produced world-class scholars, administrators, and researchers who have demonstrated loyalty and contributed significantly to its progress.
“It is only natural that such individuals, who understand the University’s history, challenges, structures, and potentials, be given due consideration for its highest leadership position,” the statement said.
The Alumni further clarified that its position is not based on sentiment but on the conviction that internal continuity and familiarity with the University’s system will enhance effective leadership and sustainable growth.
“The Association emphasises that being home grown is not the sole criterion. The next Vice Chancellor must also be the most qualified, most competent, and most administratively capable among the applicants. The University needs a leader who embodies academic excellence, administrative experience, visionary leadership, impeccable character, and a proven track record of service to the University community. Only such a person can take the University of Abuja to its next phase of development,” the statement noted.
The body also urged members of the University community, including staff, students, and alumni, to remain calm and avoid actions that could heat up the system, stressing that peace and stability must remain the priority throughout the process.
The group lauded the outgoing administration for its contributions and urged the incoming leadership to consolidate on existing achievements while driving innovation, discipline, and national relevance.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the integrity of the institution and ensuring that the University of Abuja continues on a path of meritocracy, accountability and academic excellence.
