EDITORIAL: Let Peace and Stability Return to Unizik Now: That Place Is Not a Motor Park

BY TONY OKAFOR

As Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi assumes office as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for the second time within a year, the institution’s instability is laid bare.

The controversy surrounding her appointment, coupled with Prof. Au Noneyelu’s petition, underscores the need for a more permanent solution.

Prof. Noneyelu’s petition alleges bias in the selection process, citing his higher score of 132 points in the University Senate selection test/election compared to Prof. Arinze-Umobi’s 79 points.

He claims the Governing Council Chairman’s decision to favour a female candidate was predetermined, sparking concerns about fairness and merit.

This tumultuous period, marked by multiple acting Vice-Chancellors and a contentious substantive VC tenure in less than a year, has taken a toll on academic and administrative activities.

Students, staff, and stakeholders have borne the brunt of this instability, which has hindered research, academic planning, and overall progress.

It is imperative that the authorities prioritize stability and progress, ensuring Unizik regains its reputation as a citadel of learning and research.

To end this cycle of instability, we urge the federal government to constitute the full governing council of the university and appoint a substantive Vice-Chancellor through a transparent, merit-based process.

This would bring much-needed stability, allowing the institution to focus on its core mandate of teaching, research, and community service.

A stable leadership would undoubtedly lead to improved academic planning and implementation, enhanced administrative efficiency, increased confidence among students, staff, and stakeholders, better management of resources and facilities, and a more conducive environment for research and innovation.

As Prof. Arinze-Umobi assumes office, we urge her to work towards creating a stable and productive academic environment, fostering a culture of inclusivity, fairness, and meritocracy.

Let her tenure mark the beginning of a new era of peace, stability, and academic excellence at Unizik.

The university community, stakeholders, and government must come together to support the institution’s growth, prioritizing peace, stability, and progress.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, deserves better. It is time for collective action to restore the institution’s glory, ensuring it remains a beacon of learning and research.

By working together, the university can create a stable, productive, and excellent academic environment, where students, staff, and stakeholders thrive.