By Felix Khanoba
The management of University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has dismissed allegations that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is attempting to influence the appointment of a member of staff to a senior management position in the institution.
The university described the allegation, published by an online platform on July 28, 2026, as false and lacking any factual foundation, insisting that appointments into management positions are guided strictly by established procedures.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, the institution reaffirmed its autonomy and commitment to due process in all recruitment and appointment exercises.
According to the statement, “This allegation is false, misleading, erroneous and entirely without factual basis.”
The university stressed that, as an autonomous institution, its operations are governed by its enabling laws and approved administrative procedures.
It stated that “The University of Abuja is an autonomous institution governed by its enabling laws and established procedures. Accordingly, the recruitment of staff and appointments into management and other positions are conducted strictly in accordance with approved guidelines and due process.”
The management further maintained that appointments to senior positions are based solely on statutory requirements and not influenced by external interests.
It added that “Appointments of staff into managerial positions are not determined by considerations outside the statutory procedures of the University.”
The institution urged members of the public to ignore what it described as baseless claims intended to damage the reputation of the Minister of Education.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard this spurious allegation by faceless individuals, designed to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the Honourable Minister,” the statement said.
While commending the minister’s contributions to the education sector, the university rejected suggestions of undue interference in its internal affairs.
It stated, “The University acknowledges the Honourable Minister’s commitment to the development of the higher education sector and rejects any suggestion of improper interference in its affairs.”
The management assured stakeholders that it would remain focused on its mandate despite what it described as speculative reports.
According to the statement, “Management remains focused and will not be distracted by unfounded and speculative reports.”
