UniAbuja alumni demand screening of senate aspirants with ‘questionable’ records

The Concerned University of Abuja Alumni Association Worldwide has called for a thorough screening of candidates vying for positions in the university’s senate.

In a joint statement signed by Amina Kari and Segun Falana, the group urged the university to disqualify individuals with controversial or questionable pasts from contesting in the election.

“The University of Abuja is once more at the threshold of history as preparations and campaigns are geared up for the election of representatives for the senate and congregation,” the statement reads.

“It is a topmost process that places the university on its democratic governance.”

The alumni association said the election should only feature candidates of tested integrity and honour.

“This is a time for serious scrutiny, assessment and judgement,” the group said.

“Those men and women of questionable character who acted or contributed in many ways to plunge the university into a dark era should, as a matter of urgency and seriousness, be screened out of any contest.”

The group praised those who helped steer the university back on track and urged them to remain vigilant during the electoral process.

“The University of Abuja Alumni Association Worldwide heartily congratulates and will always appreciate those who fought relentlessly to bring the university back on such glorious paths,” it said.

“Inexperienced candidates should not be the best options at this point in time. Candidates convicted of massive embezzlements during their headship of any university revenue-generating unit should be dropped from the contest.

“All those who saw white and called it black during the last council/administration are not in any way worthy of consideration in the present democratic dispensation.”

The alumni association urged senate members and the congregation to prioritise competence and character when casting their votes.