Victor EzejaThe atmosphere in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State has remained tense since Saturday morning following an alleged plot to remove the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu from office.
More than two truckloads of security personnel have reportedly been deployed in the campus to facilitate the controversial removal of the acting VC from office.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelProfessor Ikechebelu, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), was appointed VC in an acting capacity following the expiration of the tenure of Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone on 3rd June 2024.
Prime Business Africa gathered that the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, had convened an emergency meeting of the council, where a plan to remove Ikechebelu from office was discussed.
In a memo dated 11 July 2024 titled “RE: APPOINTMENT OF ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR”, the Pro-chancellor had requested the Secretary to Council to convey to the Senate the directive of the Governing Council to nominate and furnish the Council with the names of two former Deputy Vice-Chancellors who are above 66 years but below 70 years for consideration for appointment to the position of Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University.
The Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University held an emergency meeting on Friday, 19th July 2024.
The University governing council convened a meeting on Saturday, 20th July where the nominees were expected to be considered and subsequent replacement of the Acting VC.
However, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has countered the move, pointing out irregularities in the process.
The NUC Acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maijaki, in a letter to the Pro-chancellor dated 18th July 2024, said that in line with relevant laws guiding the appointment of a university vice-chancellor, the governing council cannot dictate to University Senate, conditions for the appointment of an acting VC.
Maijaki, who cited relevant sections of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended), clarified that the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor is a function of the University Senate, and that the Council’s move is irregular.
The Commission said: “It is the responsibility of the University Senate, through statutes of the University and its established standing rules, to recommend to the Governing Council persons suitably qualified for appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor. This process is within the mandate of Senate.
“In the absence of Council in a Federal University, the Honourable Minister acts as de facto Council, and appoints an Acting Vice-Chancellor, following appropriate recommendation from the University Senate, as stipulated.
“It is irregular for the Council to stipulate, to the University Senate, such conditions a: origin, age, gender, etc., for the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor and Additionally, section 3 (14) provides that, in all circumstances, an acting Vice-Chancellor shall not be in office for more than 6 months.”
According to a memo of the Friday’s emergency Senate meeting titled “RESOLUTION OF THE EMERGENCY MEETING OF SENATE HELD ON 19™ JULY, 2024 AT THE UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM” two persons were nominated for the position of the acting VC for consideration by the council.
They are: “(1) Professor Carol Arinze-Umeobi Date of birth: 7″ July 1957 Retirement Date: 7” July 2027
“(2) Professor F. J. C. Odibo Date of birth: 13 April 1955 Retirement Date 13″ April 2025.”
As the outcome of Saturday’s council meeting is being awaited, some sources say there are political forces behind the leadership tussle in the institution.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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