23/07/2024
*CRISIS DEEPEN AT UNIZIK AS TWO VICE-CHANCELLOR EMERGED*
The leadership crisis rocking Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra state has deepened as two Vice Chancellors emerged.
Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu has been the Acting VC for a little less than two months, after he took over from outgone Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone.
He was doing his job untill July 20, 2024 when the Amb. Greg Mbadiwe led governing council sacked him and installed Prof. Carol Umobi as the Acting Vice Chancellor for a period of six months.
However the management of the University said there was no decision taken during the alleged failed council meeting and nobody has been appointed apart from Prof. Ikechebelu.
The university in a statement by its Registrar, Samuel N. Ujoh said the status quo ante remains as the council meeting ended inconclusively.
But the chairman of the council Amb. Greg Mbadiwe had installed Prof. Amobi after the meeting at the university Senate chamber and handedover the appointment letter to her outside the Senate chamber.
The council meeting had earlier started with heavy presence of security personnel made up of military and police who sorrounded the administrative block of the University.
At the time, the military who acompanied the Pro Chancellor and external members had wanted to enter the Senate chamber but were resisted.
Thus, a letter from the governing council of the university, which was signed by the chairman, Amb. Mbadiwe congratulated Prof. Umobi on her appointment.
Mbadiwe said the appointment, which is for a period of six months is in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007.
According to him, the appointment is for a period not more than six months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024.
He said: “the terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.
Mbadiwe also added that a copy of the letter of appointment has been forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitor to the University.
The letter which was presented to Umobi read:
“Dear Professor Umobi,
*“APPOINTMENT AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY*
“1 am pleased to inform you that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007, the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on recommendation of the University Senate.
Your appointment is for a period not later than six (6) months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.
“On behalf of the Governing Council, 1 extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment. We have full confidence in your ability to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success in this rule.
“Please note that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitors to the University.
Once again, congratulations on your appointment.”
In its reaction, the University Management in a letter signed by Acting Registrar Samuel N. Ujoh said the council meeting ended without decision and status quo ante remains.
According to the statement, a strange statement was read by the Pro- Chancellor/Chairman of the council purported to be by Senate of the university, which internal council members rejected.
He added that the external members and chairman of the Council walked away.
The letter reads: “The 9th emergency meeting of the governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe university ends inconclusive.
At the 9th emergency meeting of the 10th governing council held on 20th July 2024,the pro – Chancellor/ chairman of the council Amb Greg Mbadiwe, read out a letter purported to have emanated from the University Senate and claimed to be signed by 24 members of the Senate in attendance.
The purported letter was signed by Prof Stan Udedi as the chairman and Prof Eric Ofoedu as the Secretary.
During the meeting, the internal members of the council objected to the letter as emanating from the Senate, since the Senate will hold on 24th July 2024, according to the advertised Senate meeting.
The controversy that emanated from the purported letter resulted in Pro- Chancellor/chairman of the council and external members of the council walking out of the meeting.
The meeting, thus ended without a decision and status quo ante remained”
The interpretation is that Ikechebelu remains Acting VC of Unizik as no decision was reached at council’s meeting on July 20, 2024.
*Punch news update*
*21 July, 2024*
