By Tony Okafor
Recent events at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) surrounding the Vice Chancellorship race are disturbing.
The removal of an acting Vice Chancellor of the university, accompanied by three truckloads of security personnel, reeks of political interference.
The claim of ensuring neutrality in the Vice Chancellorship contest as the reason for removing the acting VC seems more like a convenient pretext for interference.
Allegations that a regional governor is exploiting this situation to exert political influence and reward loyalists with jobs are deeply concerning.
Linking UNIZIK’s turmoil to the Anambra State 2025 governorship election is ludicrous.
UNIZIK, a citadel of learning, should be insulated from politics. Reports of manufactured exclusion clauses disqualifying certain contestants are obnoxious, subverting meritocracy and academic excellence.
The Vice Chancellor should be awarded to the most qualified candidate, not based on political connections.
We urge politicians to keep their hands off UNIZIK.
Academic institutions should be sacred spaces for learning, research, and intellectual growth, free from political machinations.
The selection process should be transparent, fair, and manipulation-free.
We call on relevant authorities, especially President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to ensure UNIZIK’s autonomy is respected.
