By Felix Khanoba
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) on Monday witnessed a significant leadership transition as the sixth Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, handed over the institution’s reins to the acting VC, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi.
During the brief ceremony in the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room, Na’Allah emphasised the importance of supporting Prof. Maikudi.
He expressed his satisfaction in passing the baton to a colleague instrumental in the university’s recent advancements and vowed to continue backing UniAbuja.
“I am grateful to have had a strong team working with me, and I am handing over to that same great team. It is my prayer that the university will continue to make giant strides. I will support the university in every way I can, even while on sabbatical,” Na’Allah stated.
Reflecting on his five-year tenure, Na’Allah, who hails from Kwara, described the change in leadership as a historic moment for the institution.
“Today marks a significant day in our university’s history. As they say, ‘soldiers go, soldiers come,’ and this transition reflects the vitality of our institution. Our university is fully alive, and this ceremony is proof of that,” he remarked.
“I have full confidence in the acting vice chancellor and the team. My prayer is for even greater achievements to come for this great university, and I will continue to support it in any way I can,” he added.
On her part, the acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Maikudi, pledged to build on Na’Allah’s successes.
She said her administration will focus on six key areas, which include Academic Excellence, Research and Innovation, Student Success, Staff Welfare, Community Engagement, and Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity.
Expressing gratitude for Na’Allah’s contributions, Prof. Maikudi highlighted the upcoming inauguration of the UniAbuja Governing Council on July 4th as a crucial step toward resolving ongoing issues at the university.
“I am pleased to announce that the University Governing Council will be inaugurated on Thursday, July 4, 2024. I believe this will end the impasse we have been experiencing. With the Governing Council in place, we can focus on our core mission of education and research,” Maikudi said.
Speaking further, the acting Vice Chancellor restated her commitment to upholding the university’s values and tackling the challenges ahead with confidence.
“Our strength lies in our unity and our dedication to education and research. I urge everyone to continue contributing their passion, ideas, and energy as we move forward,” she said.
