The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has ordered an immediate suspension of the ongoing selection process for a new Vice-Chancellor and Registrar at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja).
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This directive, issued to the institution’s Pro-Chancellor, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, follows a petition submitted by 98 university staff members demanding the reinstatement of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, who was removed from office earlier this year.
Prof. Maikudi was dismissed from her role as Vice-Chancellor on February 6, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu – a move the petitioners argue was unconstitutional. They claim her removal violated the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1993, which states that only the university’s Governing Council has the authority to remove a Vice-Chancellor, and only on grounds of gross misconduct or incapacity.
The staff also challenged the legality of dissolving the university’s Governing Council, describing it as another breach of due process.
In response, the House Committee has summoned Senator Tejuoso to appear before it on June 26, 2025, as part of an investigation into the matter. The committee has demanded that all selection activities for the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar positions be paused until the inquiry is concluded.
The lawmakers also plan to probe the appointment of Prof. Lar Patricia Manko as acting Vice-Chancellor and other allegations surrounding the university’s administration.
Senator Tejuoso has been directed to provide a comprehensive explanation of his role in the appointment of the acting principal officers and respond to the claims raised in the petition. According to the committee, the investigation aims to ensure full compliance with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2003 and the University of Abuja Act.
