The University of Abuja has acknowledged an incident involving its security personnel and a Channels TV crew, admitting that the crew’s vehicles were temporarily immobilised to prevent unauthorised departure from the campus.
However, the university maintains that none of the journalists were detained, assaulted, or harmed in any way.
According to Dr. Habib Yakoob, Acting Director of Information and University Relations, in a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Wednesday night, the incident occurred due to a misunderstanding regarding the journalists’ identities and purpose on campus.
Yakoob maintained that no journalist that properly identified themselves was denied access to the University premises.
“Although one of the journalist’s vehicle tyres was briefly immobilised to prevent unauthorised departure, at no time was the journalist detained, assaulted, or subjected to any form of harm. Furthermore, no journalist who properly identified themselves was denied access to the University premises,” he said.
“The University reiterates its unwavering commitment to fostering a positive relationship with the media and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals within its community.”
On Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported an incident at the University of Abuja, where security personnel allegedly apprehended journalists and cameramen from Channels TV and damaged their equipment.
The incident reportedly occurred amidst tensions surrounding the university’s leadership, with the Governing Council attempting to appoint Prof. Aisha Maikudi as the substantive Vice Chancellor despite opposition from some Senate members.
A crisis meeting was scheduled for Tuesday morning, where the Governing Council aimed to replace Senate members who refused to endorse Maikudi’s appointment.
“UNIABUJA arrested Channels TV crew and damaged their cameras just a few minutes ago,” a source said.
Reacting in statement titled: “University of Abuja Clarifies Allegations Surrounding Vice-Chancellor’s Selection Process,” Yakoob insisted that reports and allegations concerning the ongoing selection process for the appointment of the school’s substantive VC and harassment of journalist were misleading and exaggerated.
“To begin with, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, like all other candidates who have applied for the position of Vice-Chancellor, is fully qualified and competent to assume the role. Over the past six months, she has ably discharged her responsibilities as Acting Vice-Chancellor,” he said.
“In fact, her remarkable overall accomplishment in the five months she has held forte has continued to attract widespread applause and commendation within the University and beyond.”
He stated that alleged efforts to unjustly malign her candidacy are “baseless, unwarranted, and appear calculated to create unnecessary tension and distract the University Council from its mandate”.
He said, “The University remains confident in the Council’s commitment to conducting a transparent, fair, and merit-based selection process in strict adherence to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and other relevant statutes.
“The Council has meticulously structured the process to ensure the emergence of the most competent and visionary leader to steer the institution toward greater achievements.”
On the matter of the Senate meeting, Yakoob also admitted that a Senate meeting was initially scheduled for Tuesday to address the issue of two Senate members who walked out of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board meeting regarding the selection criteria.
Concerning the protest held by some professors, the school management denied allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, maintaining that the University of Abuja respects the right of staff to peaceful expression.
“Regarding claims of protests by some professors, the University affirms that it respects the right of staff to peaceful expression.
“However, it categorically denies any allegations of coercion or confrontation during the supposed Senate meeting, particularly as no such meeting occurred.,” he said.
This is despite video evidence obtained by SaharaReporters showing when security personnel invaded the room where some professors wanted to still hold a meeting following the cancellation of the Senate meeting.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the security personnel disrupted the meeting and assaulted some of the professors.
“As the institution continues to uphold its mission of providing quality education and fostering innovation, it calls on all stakeholders to allow the selection process to proceed without undue interference or politicisation. The process will be concluded with the utmost integrity and in the best interests of the University,” the statement noted.