Security agents have attacked Channels Television?s crew during its coverage of a protest by professors of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).

The professors were protesting the selection process for the vice-chancellor of the university.

However, on arrival at the school, security operatives attacked Channels Television?s team, damaging its vehicle. The gun-wielding men manhandled members of the crew before detaining them for over an hour.

Footage of the attack showed some of the security men forcing members of the Channels Television?s crew down from the vehicle and questioning their presence in the school.

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has been embroiled in a deep crisis over the process of appointing a new vice chancellor following the exit of Professor Abdul Rasheed Na?Allah on July 1.

At the heart of the dispute are allegations that the new governing council, in collaboration with certain staff members, is attempting to install Professor Aisha Maikudi, despite her alleged ineligibility under the advertised criteria.

There are claims in some quarters that Maikudi who is a professor of International Law was moved into her role under questionable situations. She was alleged to have become a professor in 2022 and thereafter named as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) owing to the influence of her father who is a prominent figure in Katsina State.

Maikudi?s father was alleged to have helped in ensuring Na? Allah?s appointment as the VC of the University of Abuja about five years ago. In return, Maikudi was appointed as the school?s DVC before becoming acting VC in 2022.

Critics allege that the criteria for appointment as VC was lowered to favour Maikudi. But the Pro-Chancellor of the university Sadiq Ismaila Kaita has dismissed any wrongdoing, saying due process is being followed for the appointment of a VC for the school. (Channels TV, but headline rejigged)