Power Belongs to God: Prof Aisha Maikudi Emphasizes Resilience After Removal as UNIABUJA VC
The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Aisha Maikudi, has urged staff and family members to remain resilient and focused in the wake of her removal from office, asserting that leadership is temporary and ultimately governed by divine will of God.
President Bola Tinubu recently dissolved the Governing Council of the University of Abuja and relieved Professor Maikudi of her duties. This change was announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
PRNigeria learnt that while counseling her staff and well wishers —many of whom appeared visibly emotional—Professor Maikudi reassured them that her departure should not be regarded as a personal loss. “Power belongs to Allah. My removal was announced, but not my death,” she stated, encouraging her colleagues to remain steadfast in their commitments.
She further proclaimed, “God is the best of planners. While we may not always understand His intentions right away, we will eventually see the wisdom in them, inshaAllah. When I was made a professor at 38, acting Vice-Chancellor at 40, and confirmed as substantive VC at 41, I did not question His timing. We shouldn’t do so now. Let’s express gratitude for His mercies and blessings upon us.”
Following her removal, President Tinubu appointed Lanre Tejuoso as the Pro-Chancellor of the University and Professor Patricia Manko as the acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term. These appointments signal a new chapter for the institution, which has recently been renamed Yakubu Gowon University (YGU).
PRNigeria reports that Professor Maikudi’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor saw her achieve numerous significant milestones. She was appointed as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja on December 31, 2024, after emerging as the top candidate from a competitive selection process involving ten shortlisted applicants. Her appointment commenced on January 1, 2025, for a non-renewable five-year term.
Before her official tenure, Professor Maikudi served as the acting Vice-Chancellor from July 5, 2024, during a critical period when she collaborated closely with the Governing Council to stabilize the university. Her leadership during this time garnered widespread praise for its effectiveness and dedication.
