By Felix Khanoba
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, has called on both academic and non-academic staff to unite in pursuit of enhancing the university’s academic success.
Professor Maikudi made this call on Thursday during a visit from deans of faculties, Heads of Departments (HODs), and directors of centres, who came to offer their congratulations following her appointment as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming show of support, the Vice Chancellor noted that the large turnout did not come as a surprise due to the longstanding, positive relationships she has cultivated over the years at UniAbuja.
“I have been here since 2008. I started my career here in 2008 as a lecturer, too, and I grew up in the ranks to reach this level. When I was the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics, I started working with many people in my capacity actually as Director of the International Centre. And then I moved on to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics Office, where I worked with all the units and the departments. And that was when we established our relationship,” she said.
She added, “And we were able to use that relationship to grow the university and to make the university move forward and be peaceful during my term as the Acting Vice Chancellor. Because what we did was to come together as one. We knew we were fractured and we needed to heal.”
In an emotional address, the VC emphasized the importance of unity, recalling how her colleagues had rallied behind her during her brief term as Acting Vice Chancellor, enabling her to make significant strides for the university.
“It is our home. So we all came together, and you all gave me the support I needed. There was nothing I didn’t ask any of you that you didn’t do, no matter what time it was, how early or how late. You all stood up to the challenge, and you helped me succeed. All the achievements I had during my term, it was a short term of six months, but it was a very impactful period because we had so many issues that we needed to solve, and you all gave me the support,” she remarked.
“I couldn’t have done it alone. And now, getting on this seat again for another five years, Insh Allah, I’m so happy and overwhelmed with emotions to see all of you turn up like this. Because I know it means that I can count on your support 100%. Or, should I say 101%?” she added.
The VC also reiterated her commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and swiftly addressing concerns.
She called for continued peace and collaboration to ensure the university’s progress and innovative future.
“I’m always ready to listen to everyone. And I treat all my mails on that same day. So I assure you that I will continue to do so. And if you think there’s any advice you need to give me, I’m always open for that. You are aware of that and you know that. So I’m always open. Please, let us continue to work in tandem. Let us continue to work together as one so that we can move our university forward and make it successful,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the deans, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Jimoh Abdulfatai, assured the new VC of their unwavering support. He also emphasized that her appointment followed the proper procedures.
“We are here this morning as representatives in our various faculties to come and pay our congratulatory visit to you on your emergence, which is the will of Almighty Allah, as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja,” Professor Abdulfatai said.
He added, “As Senate members of the University of Abuja, we are also here to assure you, and to tell the whole world, that the process that led to your emergence as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja is devoid of any rancour, devoid of any violation of any extant law, as far as the University of Abuja is concerned.”
“We don’t have 99.9% loyalty. Rather, we have 100% loyalty,” he said.
Other notable figures who also spoke at the event, including the Provost of UniAbuja’s College of Health Sciences, Professor Titus Ibekwe, Professor Sadiq Abba, Director, Centre for Distance Learning, Professor Mohammed Gana, Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, among others, congratulated Professor Maikudi and urged those with grievances to join hands with the new administration for the greater good of the university.
The event also witnessed the presentation of gift to the Vice Chancellor by the Faculty of Social Sciences.
