The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has appointed a professor of law, Mrs Carol Umeobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Institution.
This was made known during a press briefing by the University which was delivered by the Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Public Relations and Special Duties, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu.
Dr Ojukwu noted that the tenth Governing Council of UNIZIK, appointed by President Bola Tinubu chaired by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe made the appointment and noted that the appointment became necessary after Professor Joseph Ikechebelu was directed to assume the position of Vice Chancellor on temporary capacity, pending when the Governing Council will appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor.
He made it clear that the Governing Council, following the recommendations of the University Senate appointed Professor Umeobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, stating that Professor Ikechebelu will return to his position as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and can contest for the position when the council advertises for the position of the Vice Chancellor.
Dr Ojukwu described as misinformation and misrepresentation by some social media reports that there are two Acting Vice-Chancellors at UNIZIK, adding that there was no Governing Council for more than one year until the tenth one was appointed and therefore, there could not be two Acting Vice Chancellors.
The Special Adviser further stated that the tenth Governing Council wants to make sure that anybody who is contesting for the office of the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution will not be an Acting Vice-Chancellor, because they want to create a level playing ground for all contestants.
He stated that the council also received a letter from the Academic Staff Union of Universities who advised that it is not right to appoint someone an Acting Vice-Chancellor when it is clear that the said person will eventually contest for the office of the Vice Chancellorship, as it will give such a person an undue advantage over others.
Dr Ojukwu maintained that within the period that Professor Umeobi’s appointment is expected to last, which is six months, the University’s Council will advertise for qualified candidates to apply for the position of Vice Chancellor and shortlist, interview and appoint the most qualified person as Vice Chancellor of the foremost citadel of learning and that they promise to be transparent in the process.
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