Confusion as two VCs emerge in UNIZIK

Two Vice Chancellors have emerged in the  Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, deepening the leadership crisis rocking the institution.

Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu and  Prof. Carol Umobi are laying claims to the leadership of the school, cheating tension and panic.

The Network reports that Ikechebelu had been the Acting VC for a little less than two months, after he took over from the past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone.

He was doing this job untill July 20, 2024 when the Amb. Greg Mbadiwe-led governing council installed Prof. Carol Umobi as the acting Vice Chancellor for a period of six months.

But the Ikechebelu-led management of the university in a statement by its Registrar, Samuel N. Ujoh, said there was no decision taken during the purported council meeting, adding that nobody was  appointed as Ikechebelu was still the VC.

The chairman of the council Amb. Greg Mbadiwe had installed Prof. Amobi after the meeting that ended abruptly  at the university Senate chamber.

He was said to have handed over 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 that sorrounded the administrative block of the university.

A letter from the governing council of the university, which was signed by the 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 apappointment 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.”

However, the University Management in a letter signed by the acting Registrar Samuel N. Ujoh said the council meeting ended without decision and status quo ante remains.

The statement 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 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 supporters said the interpretation was that Ikechebelu remained Acting VC of UNIZIK as no decision was reached at council’s meeting on July 20, 2024.

Source: TN