Ikechebelu’s Substantive VC Appointment Suffers Setback as Contract Scandal Hits UNIZIK
Education
By Our Correspondent
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), in Anambra State, is embroiled in a contract scandal involving its Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Ikechebelu Joseph.
An investigation by SaharaReporters revealed that a contract for the university’s perimeter fencing was awarded twice: first to Messrs Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Limited in 2024 for ₦180,031,437.50, and later to Dukonni Nigeria Limited in February 2025 for ₦370,738,367.05, without officially revoking the initial contract.
According to sources within the university, the Acting Vice Chancellor’s actions violate procurement laws, as the second contract was awarded without proper cancellation of the first.
Despite Messrs Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. mobilizing equipment to the site, the project was reassigned without explanation.
Sources criticized the Vice Chancellor’s decision as a case of “double contracting,” citing the lack of formal revocation of the original contract.
The university official questioned how the institution intends to navigate the inevitable legal battle.
Another official suggested that the Acting VC may be making controversial decisions without concern for long-term consequences, potentially leaving the next Vice Chancellor entangled in legal disputes.
Messrs Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. has formally challenged the university’s decision, accusing the institution of violating contractual obligations and warning of impending legal action.
The company’s lawyers demanded that the university pay the agreed mobilization fund, halt unauthorized work by Dukonni Nigeria Limited, and reinstate Messrs Abdullahi Hawawo Construction Co. Ltd. as the rightful contractor.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Acting Vice Chancellor were unsuccessful. Instead, he attempted to negotiate the suppression of the report.
The scandal has sparked criticism from students, staff, and alumni, with one student remarking, “A university should be a place of learning and integrity, not a hub of corruption.”
