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Tag: UNIABUJA

  • UniAbuja better placed to address some national challenges – Na’Allah

    UniAbuja better placed to address some national challenges – Na’Allah

    The out- going Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has said the repositioned institution can serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s greatness and development.

    Na’Allah, who served as VC for five years, said the institution has been transformed in line with international best practices to address some of the nation’s problems.

    He spoke at an award ceremony organised by the University’s Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) to honour him as the “Best Performed” vice-chancellor of the institution.

    He said the introduction of strategic courses/centres such as the SDC, leadership centre, security centre, aeronautical engineering, nuclear engineering among others has positioned the university as a catalyst to fast track the nation’s development.

    According to him: ” “The SDC is one of our great centres established to respond to the needs of our world. Sustainable development is at the centre of the strategy of the UN to save our world from calamity, so at University of Abuja we have put together this centre as a solution centre for Nigeria and the world.

    “This is a centre that was established to look for solutions in every area of the SDG goals, so our PhD and masters students focus on finding solutions to our world.”

    Na’Allah thanked the centre and the outgoing PhD students for honouring him, while charging them to continue to contribute to the development of the country, with the knowledge gained from the institution.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. Gbenga Daniel said that he was delighted to be associated with the transformative leadership of Na’Allah at the institution.

    The former Ogun Governor, who was the special guest of honour, stressed the need to always celebrate excellence, adding that the SDC could go a long way in proffering solutions to the nation’s current challenges.

    Read Also: UniAbuja appoints 41-year-old Aisha Maikudi acting VC

    Director of the Centre, Prof. Sule Magaji said the centre was out to champion holistic sustainable development and inspire students for a better tomorrow.

    Magaji emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to achieve the SDG goals and evolve a better society.

    Acting Director of the Nigeria Army Heritage and Future Centre, Brig. Gen. Adewale Adekoya expressed optimism that the SDC will give the necessary push in Nigeria achieving the SDGs.

    Adekoya, who is an out-going PhD student of the SDC, said the Centre thrives on impacting applicable contemporary studies that will help achieve the SDGs and develop the nation.

    The Sustainable Awards were presented to various recipients at the ceremony. 

  • UniAbuja appoints 41-year-old Aisha Maikudi acting VC

    UniAbuja appoints 41-year-old Aisha Maikudi acting VC

    The Senate of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has elected Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, as the acting Vice Chancellor of the institution pending the inauguration of the University Council and the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

    Her appointment was announced following her nomination at the valedictory Senate meeting held on Wednesday, according to a statement by the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed

    In her acceptance speech, Maikudi thanked members of the Senate for the confidence reposed in her.

    She said: “I want to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to you all for the strong support and unwavering commitment that you have accorded me.”

    Maikudi, who is a Professor of International Law, is the university’s current Deputy Vice Chancellor of academics.

    She was born on January 31, 1983, in Zaria, Kaduna State, she obtained her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    She attended the University of Reading and the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom, after her Secondary school education, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees, respectively. She also attended the Nigeria Law School, Abuja, for her call to the Bar and the University of Abuja for her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law.

    Read Also: NIBSS appoints leaders for AfriGOPay to drive card scheme

    Aisha participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2007, at the Corporate Secretariat and Legal Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    Aisha joined the University of Abuja in 2008 as a Lecturer and became the first female and youngest Head of the Department, Faculty of Law in 2014; the first female and youngest Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law in 2018; and the pioneer Director University of Abuja.

    The acting Vice-Chancellor is the youngest Professor of the University of Abuja and indeed Nigeria, as well as the first female Professor of Law in the North West and the University of Abuja. She specializes in United Nations Law and has written extensively in the area.

    She completed a Postgraduate course on United Nations Law and has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate works. She has also taught Company Law for over 12 years and is well-versed in its mechanics. She has participated in numerous conferences and trainings worldwide.

    She is also a Member of various professional associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Law Teachers Association (NLTA), and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (IFWL).

    Prof Aisha is married with children.

  • UniAbuja council dispute: Court orders accelerated hearing in suit by Gbilekaa, others

    UniAbuja council dispute: Court orders accelerated hearing in suit by Gbilekaa, others

     A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in a suit filed against the vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Prof. Rasheed Na’Allah, over his alleged plan to inaugurate new member of the school’s Internal Governing Council despite the pendency of the case.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order for an accelerated hearing on Thursday following a preliminary objection filed by Prof. Na’Allah, through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), challenging, among others, the competence of the suit.

    Some senior academic staff of the school, led by Prof. Saint Gbilekaa, had sued, challenging, among others, the process leading to the emergence of the new member of the school’s Internal Governing Council.

    Other plaintiffs in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/683/2024 are Prof. Edmund Nwanna, Prof. Sunday Ejaro, Prof. Kasim Umar, Prof. Wesley Nafarnda, and Dr Uju Patrick.

    Listed with the VC, as defendants, are the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Upon an ex-parte motion filed by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Maxwell Opara, the court, on June 7, ordered Na’Allah to appear before it on June 13 to show cause why the planned inauguration should not be stopped.

    The judge gave the order, in a ruling, shortly after Opara, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

    At the mention of the case on Thursday, Opara noted that the business of the day was for Na’Allah to show cause.

    Opara said he was served with the preliminary objection and a counter affidavit filed by Na’Allah a few minutes before the court’s sitting commenced.

    He added: “All the other processes are not ripe because we are concerned with the affidavit to show cause.

    “I will be asking the court to dismiss the 1st defendant’s (Na’Allah’s) affidavit to show cause because of its noncompliance with the rules (of the court).

    “The notice to show cause filed did not comply with the rules,” Opara said.

    Lawyer to the Vice Chancellor, Ogwu Onoja (SAN) noted that Na’Allah was ordered to show cause within three days, and in compliance with the order, he filed on June 11, an affidavit to show cause and three other processes – a counter affidavit to the motion on notice, a counter affidavit to the originating summons and preliminary objection.

    Onoja argued that the three sets of documents were all filed within time.

    Justice Ekwo observed that the documents filed by the VC were not yet in the court’s file.

    Onoja then volunteered some copies, which were passed to the judge through an official of the court, as directed by the judge.

    At that point, Opara indicated his interest in responding to the preliminary objection.

    He also said that since the VC “keeps changing the date of the event,” he would love to join other officials of the school as parties in the case.

    Justice Ekwo then drew Opara’s attention to the fact that any decision made in the case against the VC would affect the university.

    Read Also: BREAKING: ASUU UniAbuja begins indefinite strike

    The judge added: “The preliminary objection is before me and I cannot ignore it. I make an order for accelerated hearing.”

    Justice Ekwo said he has examined the grounds of the objection and found that it ought to be determined first.

    The judge then adjourned further proceedings till June 20.

    He added: “On the date of hearing, the preliminary objection if any, will be taken together with the substantive matter and the processes of any party that is absent from court will be deemed as adopted.

    “If any party is responsible for the matter not being heard, the learned counsel for the party will be personally penalised.”

  • BREAKING: ASUU UniAbuja begins indefinite strike

    BREAKING: ASUU UniAbuja begins indefinite strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at the University of Abuja has started an indefinite strike to raise awareness of events that affect the union.

    After its congress, which was held at the institution’s permanent site on Thursday, May 2, the union declared its intention to go on strike.

    There has been disagreement between UniAbuja ASUU members, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, and Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’allah, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, regarding the process for appointing a new VC.

    An advertorial that surfaced in a national daily on March 15, 2024, sought a replacement for Na’Allah.

    However, ASUU members, in a conference, rejected the advertorial, declared it “illegal,” and stated that it was not from the governing council.

    Read Also: UNIABUJA VC: Students to undertake drug test before admission

    According to Sylvanus Ugoh, the chairman of UniAbuja ASUU, only the governing council has the authority to advertise the VC’s seat when it is declared empty under the Universities Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1993, as modified in 2003 and 2012 (Section 3, subsections 1 and 2).

    He said that the authority to start the process of selecting a new VC does not lawfully belong to any other body or person.

    “You will recall that the university administration placed an advert on the vacancy of the post of a Vice-Chancellor on Friday 15th March 2024,” Ugoh had said.

    Details shortly…

  • UNIABUJA VC: Students to undertake drug test before admission

    UNIABUJA VC: Students to undertake drug test before admission

    Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah has said that students who intend to study in the university must undertake and present a drug test before admission.

    Na’allah, who made this known at the 27th Pre- Convocation briefing in Abuja yesterday, said the institution is working with NDLEA to rehabilitate students involved in drug abuse.

    He said drug status of students is important in order to help students to be free from drugs.

    Though he said the students would not be sent out from school if involved in drug abuse, but rather be rehabilitated in collaboration with the NDLEA.

    The vice chancellor also said that 7,128 undergraduate students would be graduating at the school’s convocation slated for Saturday. He listed those that would be graduating to also include 100 PhDs, 326 academic Masters and 346 Professional Masters.

    Read Also: IPPIS: SSANU UniAbuja chairman, members disagree on bribery allegations

    He said 40 students would be graduating with First Class , 474 with Second Class Upper, 944 Second Class Lower, 174 with 3rd Class and One Pass degree. He, however, said the university had banned Pass degree going forward. He added that the university would also confer Honorary Doctorate Degree of Letters on Prof. Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, Houston for his role in the development and growth of the institution and other African universities at large.

    The vice chancellor also explained that the institution would be introducing Russia Language as part of the general courses that students must pass before graduating.

    This, he said is to make new knowledge available to students.

    “The university has developed into a global university with the offering of different languages, which include Japanese, French, Portuguese among others.

    “Efforts are though being made to bring in full some of the foreign languages as degrees programmes but the varsity has made it a compulsory in General Studies that every student must study and pass a foreign language before graduation.

    “We are going to offer Russia language in addition to the foreign languages we offer. Students are made to offer and pass one of these foreign languages,”he said.

    While noting the efforts made by the university to achieve its mandates, he said it has embarked on fund raising for alumni, philanthropists and also identifying foundations that would help in sponsoring researches, trainings and others.

    He also disclosed the National Universities Commission (NUC) had approved 26 new academic programmes for the university.

    According to him the university will now offer some of the new courses starting from 2023/2024 academic session.

     The courses include Nursing, Communication and Media Studies, Pharmacy, Tourism and hospitality, Agricultural engineering ,among others.

  • ASUU Strike: UNIABUJA business operators decry poor sales

    Some business operators at the University of Abuja, (UNIABUJA) have decried the adverse effects on their businesses, the continued nationwide strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU).

    The business owners spoke with the our reporters on Wednesday in the main campus and permanent site of the university and described the ongoing strike as worrisome.

    According to them, economic and social activities in and outside the school premises have been paralysed just as most shops and business centers are either locked or witnessing low sales.

    National President of ASUU, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi had on Nov. 5 called for an indefinite strike involving both the federal and state-owned universities.

    The strike follows allegation of failure of the Federal Government to implement Memorandum of Action (MOA) signed with it in 2017.

    Mrs Farida Jackson, who owns a restaurant close to the school gate at the Gwagwalada Campus lamented the situation. She said her shop had lacked patronage since the commencement of the industrial action.

    “The ongoing strike is regrettable, you know when the university is not operating our businesses are bound to suffer because only few people patronize us.

    “We pray that the efforts of government to solve the problems with the unions will yield tangible results so that we can fully return to business,” she said.

    Mr Musa Yusuf, who operates a business centre also lamented the drop in economic activities, adding that since the strike started business had dropped considerably.

    “The Federal Government should take into consideration the plight of Nigerian students and find a lasting solution to the problem.

    “I plead with the union to also call off the strike and give room for dialogue in the interest of education sector,” Yusuf said.

    Mrs Ada Basi, owner of a relaxation spot said, “Business was thriving until the strike started and most of us have invested here due to the population.’’

    “The education sector is one particular area that should receive prompt and adequate response because when the people are educated, it will reflect on the nation’s economy.”

    Also, Mr Musa Ladan, a motorcycle operator at the permanent site campus appealed to ASUU to call off the strike, he said that the masses always suffered from its consequences.

    “Our prayer is that the school should resume its activities so that our businesses will bounce back, we also urge the stakeholders to resolve these issues,” he said.

     

    NAN

  • Heritage Africa, institute, UniAbuja sign MoU on programme exchange

    Heritage Africa-China Research Institute, Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, China and the University of Abuja, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange programmes on culture.

    The Director, Heritage Africa-China Research Institute, Mr. Moses Ayom, said the MoU would allow the institutions involved to collaborate in areas of interest for the benefit of the three institutions.

    Mr. Ayom, in a statement  yesterday  in Abuja, said the MoU would allow the three institutions to exchange programmes in the next five years.

    He said: “In order to encourage closer academic ties, after cordial consultations and negotiations among the three parties, the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, University of Abuja and Heritage Africa-China Research Institute, intend to establish programmes of exchange and collaboration in areas of interest and benefit to the three institutions.

    “The three parties shall actively cooperate and pursue academic research in areas of interest and benefits to the various institutions.”

    The Director, Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, Liu Hongwu expressed joy at pioneering the programmes.

    He described the programmes as necessary preliminary platforms for development in Nigeria and Africa.

    “The purpose of coming to Nigeria for the conference is to develop a programme whereby scholars and experts from both countries can brainstorm ideas to promote peace and development in the country.

    “There is a huge gap in the language difference between our countries. This hinders both parties from being able to work together.

    “This partnership will help to close that gap and allow for scholarly networking and interaction.”

    He dwelt on whilethe Chinese and African scholars should share ideas and gain in-depth knowledge about one another’s cultural differences to foster peace and economic growth.

    He said one of the key factors missing in most African countries is industrialisation.

    “We have diverse perspectives and diverse modes of development, therefore we must interact with each other in order to understand each other.

    “Forming this partnership will promote cultural understanding which is a prerequisite for exchange.

    ”The Chinese economy has grown rapidly because we urge our investors to invest in foreign lands, such as the African continent.

    “China is transforming from a manufacturing base to an innovative one, and moving this to Africa will enable African countries to become leaders in economic development.”

  • 7,148 for UNIABUJA degrees

    •Kumuyi to be honoured

    University of Abuja will on Saturday confer an honorary degree on the Founder and General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi.

    The university would also honour the late Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) historian, Dr Yusuf Bala Usman and Alhj. Dikko Aliyu, for their contributions to nation building.

    Speaking at a pre-convocation press briefing, the UniAbuja Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Adikwu, said Kumuyi, Usman and Aliyu, would join 7,148 graduands to receive their degree on Saturday at the university’s main campus in Abuja

    Giving a breakdown of the graduating students, Adikwu said: “At this convocation, the university will be graduating a total of 7, 148 made up of 16 first class graduands in the first degree category, 507 second class upper division, 3,143 second class lower division, 3, 160 and 180 will pass out with third class and pass degrees respectively.

    “A total of 242 higher degree graduands, made up of 91 postgraduate diploma holders, 78 masters degrees and 73 with doctorate degrees will be graduating on Saturday. We congratulate them in advance.

     

  • UniAbuja inducts first medical students 12 years after

    The University of Abuja yesterday inducted its first set of Medical Doctors after 12 years of establishment of the College of Health Sciences in the institution.

    Vice chancellor of the university, Professor Micheal Adikwe, urged the graduands to shun corruption and change the health system.

    Adikwe charged the students to be consistent in the discharge of their duties and profess character, competence and empathy.

    He urged the graduands to always believe in themselves and turn Nigeria to a destination of medical tourism.

    “I believe that with people like you who have been well grounded, people from other lands, will come to Nigeria for medical tourism.

    “It does not take long to change a system. All it takes is consistency and believe in God. There is no problem under the sun that cannot be solved.

    “I commend your courage thus far and this should spur you to greater heights as you leave the shores of this university,” he added.

    Provost Health sciences, Professor Kareem Airede, commended the pioneer inductees and hinted that graduands could commence work 48hours as clinical officers following the understanding and cooperation of the University of Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Abujà.

    Special guest of honor, Professor Joseph Otubu, urged the inductees to adopt moral issues of fairness, honesty, and respect for human beings.

    18 doctors were inducted after passing the final MBBS degree examinations.

    They were formally adopted into the medical profession by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

     

  • UniAbuja seeks NNPC support on Pharmaceutical School

    The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Michael Adikwu, has appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for assistance towards the university’s desire to set up a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

    He made the appeal when a management team of the university visited the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru  at the NNPC headquarters in Abuja.

    Prof. Adikwu, in a statement by the university’s Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications), Waziri Garba, said learning and teaching facilities at the institution had greatly improved through the efforts of management and intervention agencies.

    He also said  the atmosphere was conducive for the expansion of academic programmes for development of the institution.

    Prof. Adikwu said with the university’s College of Health Sciences firmly on ground, it was only normal to have a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences to compliment it.

    The Vice-Chancellor also sought the assistance of the NNPC management in the provision of a students’ centre and a block of students’ hostel to ease demands on such facilities by the 58,000-strong students of the University.

    Prof. Adikwu praised the efforts of the GMD in consolidating the corporation as the country’s main manager of petroleum resources.

    He remarked  that the managerial acumen of Dr. Baru was never in doubt for a man who had set a school graduating record which still remained unmatched at the Government College Jos where they were both students at various times.

    The NNPC GMD said the Vice-Chancellor’s request for support on the pharmaceutical school and student centre as genuine and demonstrated the Vice-Chancellor’s full commitment to the growth and development of the university.

    He advised the university management to make formal its request for support especially on the Pharmaceutical School and student Centre for the consideration of the appropriate authorities.

    Dr. Baru also urged the university to create a window of opportunity for the private sector to invest in the provision of students’ hostel accommodation under private partnership (PPP) scheme which was now common across universities around the world including some Nigerian universities.