There is an air of confusion at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, following a contentious decision regarding the removal of its acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu.
On Saturday, the university’s Governing Council announced the dismissal of Professor Ikechebelu through a letter signed by Gregory Mbadiwe, the pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the council. This letter also declared the appointment of Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi as the new acting vice-chancellor. The decision to remove Professor Ikechebelu was made without providing a reason, despite his relatively recent appointment in early June, following the end of Professor Charles Esimone’s term on June 3.
In response, the university management released a statement later that same day disputing the validity of the dismissal. Acting Registrar Samuel Ufor claimed that the governing council’s meeting had ended in a stalemate, and that the letter from Mr. Mbadiwe did not reflect the consensus of the council. Mr. Ufor contended that the letter was incorrectly attributed to the University Senate, which had not yet convened. The Senate was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, July 24, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the council’s letter.
University spokesperson Emmanuel Ojukwu countered the registrar’s assertions on Sunday, arguing that Professor Ikechebelu had never been formally appointed as acting vice-chancellor. Ojukwu explained that, in accordance with federal guidelines, the previous vice-chancellor had temporarily handed over to Ikechebelu, who was the most senior deputy vice-chancellor at the time, pending formal ratification by the governing council. However, the council decided to appoint Professor Arinze-Umobi as acting vice-chancellor instead of ratifying Ikechebelu, to ensure fairness in the upcoming vice-chancellorship election, given that Ikechebelu had expressed interest in the position.
Ojukwu further refuted claims of internal objections to the council’s decision, accusing the registrar of issuing partisan statements that do not reflect the university’s official stance. He emphasized that the registrar, as secretary of both the Senate and the council, should not have issued such statements without proper authority.
The National University Commission (NUC) had previously instructed outgoing vice-chancellors to hand over to their most senior deputy until a governing council could appoint an acting vice-chancellor. This directive aimed to ensure a smooth transition and maintain impartiality in the selection of new vice-chancellors.
The situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains unresolved, with conflicting statements from various officials adding to the uncertainty surrounding the vice-chancellor’s role. The upcoming Senate meeting on July 24 may provide further clarity and resolve the ongoing dispute.
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