Babatunji Wusu –
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly criticized the recent appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, alleging serious violations of established procedures and calling for an immediate review of the process.
In a statement titled “Nnamdi Azikiwe University Vice Chancellorship Imbroglio: A Call for Decisive Action By The Visitor,” ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, stated that the union was resolute in opposing any actions that violated academic rights, involved intimidation, or led to unlawful decisions. He condemned the alleged illegalities surrounding the appointment process, particularly accusing the university’s Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, of ignoring established procedures.
Key Allegations and Concerns:
- Violation of Appointment Procedures: ASUU claims that the process leading to the appointment of Dr. Benard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as Registrar, breached the university’s laws and regulations. The union highlighted that Dr. Odoh, who is not a full professor, was appointed despite not meeting the advertised eligibility criteria for the Vice-Chancellor position.
- Exclusion of Internal Members and Senate: The union expressed concerns about the exclusion of internal members of the Governing Council from the appointment proceedings. It also noted the lack of Senate participation in the nomination of representatives to the necessary selection committees, a violation of university law.
- Ignored Appeals and Interventions: ASUU stated that several attempts to halt the appointment, including interventions from the university’s Senate, ASUU chapter, and the Ministry of Education, were ignored by the Governing Council. The union expressed dismay at the unresponsiveness of the authorities involved and criticized the reckless disregard for proper procedure.
ASUU’s Resolution:
ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC), which met at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, resolved to vigorously oppose the actions taken by the Governing Council. The union labeled the appointments a “colossal joke” and “mockery of the academia,” demanding that they be annulled. ASUU asserted that these appointments were illegal and amounted to an affront to university traditions and laws.
The union also warned that the continued stay of Dr. Odoh and Mrs. Nwokike in their positions would provoke unrest and anarchy within the university, given their alleged illegitimacy.
Call for Immediate Action:
ASUU is calling on Nigeria’s President and the Visitor to NAU, President Bola Tinubu, to take urgent and decisive action to restore order and ensure that due process is followed in university leadership appointments. The union’s statement emphasized that these appointments should not stand, as they have compromised the integrity of the institution.
The ASUU’s strong reaction reflects deep concerns over the transparency and fairness of leadership appointments within Nigerian universities. The union’s calls for a review of the process at NAU align with its broader efforts to ensure that university governance is conducted in accordance with legal frameworks, academic standards, and best practices. ASUU’s push for accountability comes as part of a broader campaign to protect the autonomy of Nigerian universities and maintain the integrity of the academic system.
