By Sani Idris Abdulrahman
The Concerned Northern Forum (CNF) has expressed strong displeasure over the unlawful removal of Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja.
At a press conference on Wednesday in Kaduna, the Convener of the forum, Aliyu Sanni Mohammed, the group said Prof. Maikudi’s reinstatement would be as lawful and symbol of hope for millions of young Nigerians, demonstrating the promise of a more inclusive, youth-driven leadership within the academic and public sectors.
The CNF criticized the Honourable Minister of Education for promoting an illegal arrangement by retaining a sole administrator to act as Vice-Chancellor, violating the University Autonomy Act and undermining institutional integrity.
This, the convener said contradicts the spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promises of youth empowerment and justice.
He emphasized that the appointment and removal of a Vice-Chancellor is the constitutional responsibility of the Governing Council of the University of Abuja, as provided for by the University of Abuja Act and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2003, No. 1 of 2007.
“Despite the recent reconstitution of the Governing Council, the Federal Government has failed to restore Professor Maikudi to her legitimate position, instead sustaining the illegal tenure of an acting Vice-Chancellor who was never appointed through the proper procedure”.
The CNF urged President Tinubu to immediately correct the injustice and reinstate Professor Maikudi, citing the importance of upholding justice, merit, and the rule of law.
The group warned that the administration’s continued suppression of youth aspirations could have electoral consequences, noting that the youth constitute the majority of Nigeria’s voting population, with over 70% of registered voters in the 2023 general elections aged between 18 and 35.
The CNF called on stakeholders, including civil society, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and the international community, to intervene and ensure the injustice is addressed without delay.
The group emphasized that the matter is not about gender or region alone, but about legality, equity, and leadership credibility.
“We stand firmly with Professor Aisha Maikudi. We stand for justice, for youth inclusion, and for the rule of law,” the CNF stated. The group copied the press conference to all Governors of the North West zone, emphasizing that they will not tolerate any further attempt to sideline their best and brightest”.
