By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State has debunked the news of the purported election of an Acting Vice-Chancellor.
In a statement issued in Awka on Thursday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, the Council said there is no enabling law or statute that permits any of the organs of the University to elect either an acting or substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The statement reads in part, “We urge the general public and the university community to disregard the unfounded piece of news of the purported election of an Acting Vice-Chancellor as infantile desperation by some elements within the university community. It does not represent the true position of the state of affairs and we would not sit idly and allow some desperadoes to usurp the powers of the Council or the Visitor to the University.
“Without mincing words, Section 1 (13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provision, Amendment) Act 2003 mandates the Governing Council to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor whenever there is vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chancellor.
“Given the impending expiration of the six months tenure of the outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, the Council requested the convening of the Senate of the University to nominate five qualified professors out of which the Council will appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor. The process is ongoing and will soon be concluded.”
