By Tony Okafor
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, named after Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, is facing an unprecedented crisis.
Concerns have been raised about the institution’s reputation during Pro-Chancellor Greg Mbadiwe’s tenure, with some questioning whether the university’s values of excellence and inclusivity are being upheld.
The removal of a sitting acting Vice Chancellor by three truckloads of security personnel, including soldiers, sets a disturbing precedent.
This brazen display of force is unacceptable and raises questions about the governing council’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.
Furthermore, the selection process for a substantive Vice Chancellor has been marred by exclusion clauses, discriminatory requirements, and a lack of transparency.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical Alumni Association has condemned the advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor position, citing breaches of the University Act and discriminatory requirements that exclude medical professionals.
These actions are not only an affront to the university’s values but also a betrayal of Zik’s legacy.
The Owelle of Onitsha, a champion of education and national unity, would be appalled by the shenanigans unfolding at his namesake institution.
Alarmingly, Mbadiwe’s actions have fueled speculation that he is on a mission to fulfill the agenda of a certain southeast governor at UNIZIK.
This perception must be addressed, and Mbadiwe must disentangle himself from these allegations. His family name, synonymous with patriotism and public service, is at stake.
We urge Mbadiwe to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the Medical Alumni Association and others.
The advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor position must be reviewed, reflecting the University Act’s requirements.
We implore the Minister of Education and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to intervene, safeguarding UNIZIK’s integrity and Zik’s legacy.
The federal government must ensure that the university’s governing council operates within the ambit of the law and upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
History beckons, and Mbadiwe’s tenure will be judged by his actions. The consequences of his inaction will be borne by the university, the nation, and future generations.
It is time for Mbadiwe to choose between his loyalty to partisan interests and his duty to protect the legacy of Zik.
We cannot afford to lose an institution that has produced some of Nigeria’s finest minds. Mbadiwe must act now to restore the university’s honour and uphold the values that Zik embodied.
Will Mbadiwe rise to the challenge, or will his tenure forever be remembered as a dark chapter in UNIZIK’s history? The choice is his, but the consequences will be eternal.
