...as APC Southeast calls for intervention
By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
In response to recent inquiries regarding the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor, the Office of the Registrar at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has issued a comprehensive clarification detailing the selection process and addressing concerns raised by various stakeholders.
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In a letter dated November 1, 2024, addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, the university's administration provided a detailed account of the proceedings surrounding the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor. The document, signed by Barr. (Mrs.) R. I. Nwokoike, Registrar and Secretary to the Council, addressed three key aspects of the appointment process.
First, the letter clarified the nature of interactions with the Minister of State for Education. Contrary to some assumptions, there was no formal meeting between the Pro-Chancellor and the Minister. Instead, informal discussions took place between the outgoing Minister of State and the University Council. The administration emphasized that these discussions did not override or interfere with the court's judgment regarding the Council's statutory authority in appointing the Vice-Chancellor.
The second point addressed the appointment proceedings held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The university maintained that all necessary protocols were meticulously observed during the process. The meeting saw broad participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Character Commission, external Council members, and other relevant parties. To ensure transparency, the university documented the proceedings through attendance registers, photographs, and copies of official meeting notices.
A crucial aspect highlighted in the letter was the strict adherence to statutory requirements. The meeting fulfilled the quorum requirements as stipulated in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004. According to Section 6(a) of the University's Standing Orders of the Governing Council, the quorum mandated the presence of five members, including at least one of the following: the Vice-Chancellor or Deputy, one appointee of the Visitor, and one appointee of the Senate.
The third section of the letter addressed the due process and selection protocol. Out of eighteen applicants for the position, fifteen participated in the interview process. The Council emphasized that all proceedings were meticulously documented, including score sheets and interview records. The administration firmly stated that suggestions regarding "reconciling with aggrieved persons" were not relevant to the procedural integrity of the appointment process.
This clarification comes at a crucial time for Nnamdi Azikiwe University, one of Nigeria's prominent federal institutions. The appointment of a Vice-Chancellor is a significant development that impacts the institution's academic and administrative direction. The detailed response from the university administration perhaps demonstrates their commitment to maintaining procedural integrity and transparency in high-level appointments.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Southeast Zonal Leadership has urgently appealed to the Minister of Education to intervene in the ongoing controversy surrounding the election of a substantive Vice-Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
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In a letter dated November 1, 2024, signed by Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, the National Vice Chairman (South East) of the APC, the party expressed grave concerns over recent developments that could potentially threaten the integrity of the electoral process and the university's autonomy.
According to the letter, the university conducted its Vice-Chancellor election on October 29, 2024, following a widely publicized advertisement that clearly outlined the participation criteria and conditions. The university council reportedly carried out the election process in compliance with stipulated guidelines, ensuring transparency and adherence to the institution's mandate.
A significant aspect of the controversy stems from a prior court order issued by the National Industrial Court, which had ruled in favor of the university council's authority to conduct the election. However, the situation took a complicated turn when the former Minister of State for Education allegedly convened a meeting that, according to the APC leadership, exceeded his authority, particularly given his reported removal from office.
The letter details how this meeting allegedly created an atmosphere that cast undue influence on the process, with various opinions being canvassed that suggested deviating from the court's prescribed course of action. Despite these pressures, the university council maintained its commitment to upholding both judicial authority and its mandate.
The situation escalated when the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council received a letter dated November 1, 2024, attempting to nullify the election and previous appointments. This development has raised significant concerns within the Southeast zone, particularly regarding its potential impact on the university's reputation and its ability to attract and retain high-caliber leadership.
The APC Southeast leadership expressed particular worry about how these developments might affect the broader implications for stability and respect for judicial authority within Nigerian educational institutions. They also highlighted concerns about potential embarrassment to both the university and the entire region, as well as possible interference with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's renewed hope agenda for the education sector.
In their appeal to the Minister of Education, the party requested decisive action to address the situation. Specifically, they called for instructions to all relevant Ministry personnel to preserve the sanctity of the judicial process and established procedures for leadership appointments within universities.
The letter emphasized the potential ramifications of this situation on the university's standing, particularly its capacity to maintain high academic standards and institutional integrity. The party leadership stressed the importance of protecting the established procedures for university leadership appointments and maintaining respect for judicial authority within educational institutions.
The APC Southeast zone reaffirmed its support for the advancement of Nigeria's educational sector while expressing solidarity with Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State. They urged prompt and considered action from the Minister to resolve the situation and prevent any potential complications that might arise from these developments.
The matter remains under consideration by the Federal Ministry of Education, with stakeholders awaiting the Minister's response to this urgent appeal for intervention in the UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor election controversy.