The recent events at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have generated considerable controversy and concern. On the Saturday in question, the university community was startled by the arrival of trucks loaded with armed soldiers, creating a tense atmosphere around the administration building.
This development coincided with the first meeting of the newly constituted governing council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
Upon arrival, the council's
chairman, Amb Greg Mbadiwe, and the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joe
Ikechebelu, entered the council chambers to commence the meeting. The meeting
was held amid rumors that it was improperly scheduled and claims that the
university's Senate was not properly constituted when it shortlisted two
professors for the position of acting Vice-Chancellor. This shortlist included
Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi and Professor F. J. C. Odibo.
Controversy ensued when it was
revealed that only 24 out of over 500 professors had signed off on the Senate's
decision, raising questions about the legitimacy of the meeting and the subsequent
actions. The council meeting, intended to decide on the appointment of a new
acting Vice-Chancellor, ended abruptly in a stalemate.
Following the meeting, a
dramatic turn of events occurred when Ambassador Mbadiwe, backed by armed
soldiers, presented an appointment letter to Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi,
designating her as the new acting Vice-Chancellor. This appointment, made in an
unusual manner outside of the council chambers, sparked widespread
condemnation. Critics argued that the removal of Prof. Ikechebelu, who was
already in an acting capacity, was unlawful and called for the appointment of a
substantive Vice-Chancellor instead.
In response, Ambassador Mbadiwe
issued a statement clarifying the council's actions. He explained that Prof.
Ikechebelu had been overseeing the office temporarily and was not officially
appointed as the acting Vice-Chancellor by the council. The council, responding
to a directive from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and
concerns over a potential governance crisis, convened an emergency Senate
meeting to nominate two former Deputy Vice-Chancellors for the acting position.
Prof. Ikechebelu has since
handed over to Prof. Arinze-Umobi in a peaceful transition. Prof.
Arinze-Umobi's tenure as acting Vice-Chancellor is set for a non-renewable term
of six months, during which she will not be eligible to contest for the
substantive position. The council also stated that Prof. Ikechebelu had
returned to his previous role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration.
The university's administration
emphasized that the recent actions were taken to maintain stability and order
within the institution, and they urged all stakeholders to support the new
acting Vice-Chancellor in her role. The situation remains a topic of
significant discussion within the academic community and beyond.
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