Vice-Chancellor at the University of Abuja

The University of Abuja (Uniabuja) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in January 1988 under Decree No. 110 of 1992 as amended. Uniabuja is the only dual-mode University in Nigeria with the mandate to run conventional and distance learning programmes. Academic activities commenced at the University in 1990 with the matriculation of its pioneer students. Following astronomical growth and development, the University presently has a College of Health Sciences, sixteen faculties and numerous related academic departments running over seventy undergraduate academic programmes, the revamped and rejuvenated Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education, a School of Postgraduate Studies, an Institute of Education, a thriving Business School, with several other centres and institutes with mandates covering various areas of interest aimed at actualising the world-class status of the Institution.

The recent high-flying research and innovation advances coupled with the bold fundraising, partnership and scholarship drive have further transformed the University of Abuja to have the vision of becoming the leading research hub in the Nigerian University system in the times ahead. The University has 777 academic staff out of which 235 are full Professors.

By provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1993 as amended, the Honourable Minister of Education, in the absence of the Governing Council invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position below which will become vacant on 1st July 2024:

Job Title: Vice-Chancellor

Location: Abuja

The Position

• The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive and Academic Officer of the University.
• The candidate shall embody and symbolise the mission of the University while purposefully leading the articulation and strengthening of its world-class aspiration.
• The Vice-Chancellor is responsible to the Governing Council and sees to the day-to-day administration of the University.
• By the Office, the Vice-Chancellor is a member of the University Governing Council, Chairman of the Senate, Chairman of the Congregation, Member of College/Faculties and any other authorities of the University set up by stature and of any Board or Committee appointed by any of those bodies.

The Candidate

• The University of Abuja is a fast-paced institution attaining the status of a world-class centre of excellence.
• The last four and half years have witnessed a tremendous transformation in the operations, academic activities, physical expansion and research and innovation breakthrough in the University.
• Given that the consolidation of the recent gains in the overall development of the University has become a categorical imperative, the incoming Vice-Chancellor must be armed with the necessary wherewithal to fit the bill.
• The candidate for the post of Vice-Chancellor must be a distinguished academic with proven outstanding academic and administrative records.
• The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to leverage the strategic location of the University and partner with all stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, key private sector players and industry, non- governmental organisations and even foreign embassies and their overseas institutions, to ensure the steady progress and development of the University.
• Accordingly, any interested candidate must meet the following requirements in submitting his/her application:
  • A Professor of not less than 5 (five) years standing in a recognised university, at the closing date of the application, with the ability to provide academic and administrative leadership for the University community;
  • Holder of Doctoral Degree (Ph.D) or its professional equivalent;
  • Unbroken service in the academia in the last ten (10) years;
  • Possession of a proven track record of academic excellence to command the recognition and respect of national and international academic communities and colleagues;
  • Publication of a reasonable number of research (journal) articles in high-impact journals as defined by Thomson Reuters ISI, Web of Science and similar reputable International scholarly platforms;
  • Demonstration of very high-level academic productivity at the Professorial level in the last three years in high- impact journals as defined by Thomson Reuters ISI, Web of Science and similar reputable International scholarly platforms;
  • Consistently proven, demonstrable and documented ability to attract international research and development grants;
  • Evidence of winning and leading at least three (3) locally and internationally funded grant researches;
  • Proven successful international engagement and strong international network in academic, research and development programmes;
  • A Research Gate or Google Scholar h-index of not less than 10, and even much higher citations;
  • Attended and presented papers in at least five (5) international conferences within the last 10 years;
  • Possess a clear vision for the further development of the University and realization of its vision, mission and strategic goals;
  • Demonstrable ability to establish and maintain partnerships with local, national and international governmental and non-governmental agencies and organisations;
  • Demonstrable ability to engage and sustain partnerships with industry such as Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and similar ones nationally and internationally,
  • Exhibit entrepreneurial drive and ability to attract extra- statutory funds and mobilise other resources for the development of the University;
  • Possession of personal integrity in the management of funds and be able to deploy financial resources as appropriate for the development of the University. Candidate must demonstrate commitment to accountability, strength of character and transparency;
  • Demonstrate ability to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled and talented staff in all categories, teaching and non-teaching;
  • Demonstrate interpersonal and team-building skills and possess the ability to build bridges between staff, students, other members of the University community and the University's stakeholders, including the Ministry for Federal Capital Territory, Area Councils and leaders of the various host communities in the FCT; and across states of the federation;
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously with a focus on clarity, details, and deadlines;
  • Proven ethical and transparent leadership style at local and international levels;
  • Exceptional communication, organizational and interpersonal skills to foster effective relationships with a range of local, national and international stakeholders
  • Ability to align with, and lead within the framework of the University's core values of Unity and Scholarship for the promotion of corporate harmony and unstinting progress and development of the University;
  • Appreciable level of ICT literacy
  • Enjoy excellent physical and mental health.

Tenure of Office and Terms of Appointment

• The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a single term of five (5) years, and shall not be older than 65 years of age on 1st July 2024, when the position is scheduled to be occupied.
• The remuneration and other conditions of service are as applicable to the post of Vice-Chancellor in Nigerian Federal Universities and as may be determined from time to time by the Federal Government and the Governing Council.

Application Closing Date
26th April, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward thirty (30) copies of their Applications,  detailed Curriculum Vitae and duly signed and dated copies of credentials attached. The Curriculum Vitae should contain among other things, the following:

• Name in full (Surname first in block letters)
• Date and Place of Birth
• Nationality.
• State of Origin.
• Permanent Home Address.
• Present Postal Address.
• Phone Number(s) and e-mail address.
• Marital Status.
• Number and ages of children.
• Educational Institutions attended with Dates and Qualifications with Class of Degree Obtained including Membership / Fellowship of relevant professional bodies, if any.
• Work experience including full details of former and present posts with dates.
• List of Publications, if any.
• Other relevant activities outside current employment.
• Major professional achievements, and contributions including awards received, if any.
• Names and addresses of three referees.

Applications shall be addressed and submitted in a sealed envelope and marked "Post of Vice-Chancellor" on the top left corner to:
The Registrar,
University of Abuja,
P. M. B. 117, Abuja,
Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

Note

• Each referee must be contacted by the applicant to forward a confidential report on the candidate's character / conduct, academic and managerial competence, in a properly sealed envelope marked "Reference / Post of Vice-Chancellor" at the top left corner to the Registrar
• All applications shall be duly acknowledged. However, only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted for interview.