The University of Abuja has made a groundbreaking move by electing Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution. This appointment comes at the end of the tenure of Professor AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, who served as the 6th Vice-Chancellor of the University.
Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi, a renowned scholar and administrator, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. At just 41 years old, she is the youngest Professor at the University of Abuja and indeed, in Nigeria. Moreover, she holds the distinction of being the first female Professor of Law in the North-West region and at the University of Abuja.
Aisha’s impressive academic journey began with her secondary education, where she excelled in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). She then went on to study law, earning her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Reading and her Master of Laws (LLM) from the prestigious London School of Economics in the United Kingdom. She also completed her legal education at the Nigeria Law School in Abuja, where she was called to the Bar.
Aisha’s academic prowess and leadership skills have been evident throughout her career. She joined the University of Abuja in 2008 as a Lecturer and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first female and youngest Head of the Department, Faculty of Law in 2014. She then made history again in 2018 by becoming the first female and youngest Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law.
In addition to her administrative roles, Aisha has also distinguished herself as a prolific scholar. She specializes in United Nations Law and has written extensively on the subject, supervising numerous undergraduate and postgraduate works. She is also well-versed in Company Law, having taught the subject for over 12 years.
Aisha’s appointment as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja is a significant milestone, not only for her personal achievements but also for the broader landscape of higher education in Nigeria.
As a young, female academic leader, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars and administrators, particularly in the northern region of the country, where women’s representation in senior leadership positions has historically been low.
“Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi’s appointment as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills and academic prowess,” said a university spokesperson. “The Senate’s decision to entrust her with this crucial role reflects their confidence in her ability to navigate the institution through this transitional period and pave the way for a bright future.”
During her tenure, Professor Maikudi will be responsible for overseeing the University’s operations, ensuring the continuity of academic programs, and laying the groundwork for the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor. Her expertise in law and her vast experience in the higher education sector make her well-equipped to tackle the challenges that may arise during this period.
As the University of Abuja community eagerly anticipates the inauguration of the new University Council and the subsequent appointment of a permanent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi’s appointment as the Acting VC stands as a landmark moment in the institution’s history. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence are poised to shape the future of the University and inspire a new generation of academic trailblazers.
