Unizik Boils Again, Nullifies Purported Election of Prof AU Nnonyelu as Acting VC in 3 hours
Education
By Our Correspondent
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has debunked reports of the purported election of an Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof AU Nonyelu.
Some media outlets had earlier today reported that Prof A.U. Nnonyelu had been elected as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor, defeating other contenders with 132 votes.
However, in a statement issued in Awka on Thursday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, the Council clarified that there is no enabling law or statute that permits any university organ to elect either an acting or substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The statement reads in part: “We urge the general public and the university community to disregard the unfounded piece of news of the purported election of an Acting Vice-Chancellor as infantile desperation by some elements within the university community.
“It does not represent the true position of the state of affairs, and we would not sit idly and allow some desperadoes to usurp the powers of the Council or the Visitor to the University.”
The Council cited Section 1(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions, Amendment) Act 2003, which mandates the Governing Council to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chancellor.
The statement further explained that given the impending expiration of the six-month tenure of the outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, the Council had requested the convening of the Senate to nominate five qualified professors, out of which the Council will appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor. The process is ongoing and will soon be concluded.
Unizik has experienced significant leadership instability, with three Acting Vice-Chancellors and one substantive Vice-Chancellor within a year.
The tumultuous period saw Professor Bernard Odoh’s brief tenure as substantive VC, which ended in his removal.
This led to Prof Joseph Ikechebelu’s reappointment as Acting VC. Previously, Ikechebelu had acted as VC, was removed, and then handed over to Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi, who in turn handed over to Odoh.
Odoh’s tenure was cut short when he was sacked by the Federal Government under controversial circumstances within two months.
