From Stanley Mozie, Mni
The recent actions of Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, have raised concerns and questions about his role and leadership style.
Following the expiration of Professor Charles Esimone’s tenure as Vice Chancellor on June 3, 2024, Ikechebelu was tasked with overseeing the office of the Vice Chancellor as directed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). However, he has since assumed the role of Acting Vice Chancellor, contrary to the NUC’s directives.
It is important to observe that at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) had been vacant since Prof FJC Odibo’s tenure ended. Despite this, the out gone Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, chose not to fill the position, opting instead to continue the university’s unusual practice of appointing Special Assistants and Personal Assistants. Notably, he appointed Prof Odibo, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), as Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor on Academic matters (SAVC, Academic), leaving only one Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, in the Administration role to pre-position him alone for the office of VC.
Since the exit of Prof Esimone, Ikechebelu’s actions have been marked by a rapid transition into the Vice Chancellor’s office, renovations, and addressing himself as Acting Vice Chancellor in various forums. His actions have raised questions about his understanding of the NUC’s directives and his willingness to follow established procedures.
The university community and the incoming Governing Council are left to wonder about Ikechebelu’s motivations and the forces driving his actions. His actions have brought into question his suitability for leadership positions and his commitment to upholding the values of academic integrity.
The allegations of plagiarism that have trailed him for nearly twenty years have now been compounded by his questionable behavior. The Council must carefully consider these concerns and ensure that the university’s leadership is guided by wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to academic excellence.
