Key Highlights:
- Clarification
by Pro-Chancellor Amb Greg Mbadiwe: Amb Greg
Mbadiwe, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi
Azikiwe University, has provided clarity on the recent removal of Prof.
Joe Ikechebelu as the acting vice chancellor.
- Appointment
of Prof. Carol Umobi: The council has appointed Prof.
Carol Umobi as the new acting vice chancellor, leading to protests from
some Senate members and the student union.
Background
and Clarification:
Last
weekend, the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University replaced Prof. Joe
Ikechebelu with Prof. Carol Umobi as the acting vice chancellor. This decision
was met with significant opposition, including protests from Senate members and
the student union.
In
response, Amb Greg Mbadiwe released a statement to clear the air on the matter.
He emphasized that Prof. Ikechebelu was never officially appointed as the
acting vice chancellor by the council. Instead, Ikechebelu was temporarily
overseeing the office following directives from the National Universities
Commission (NUC) after the retirement of the former Vice Chancellor, Prof.
Charles Esimone.
Mbadiwe’s
Statement:
"I
write to address the recent misinformation circulating regarding the
appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Professor Joseph Ikechebelu was never appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor by the
Council. He merely oversaw the office temporarily following NUC directives,
pending Council’s inauguration."
Mbadiwe
further explained that the council is aware of the ongoing court challenge
regarding the involvement of dissolved 9th Council internal members. These
members have been advised to step aside pending the court’s decision. The
council assures all stakeholders that its actions are in the best interest of
the university's growth and development and will address any acts of
insubordination in its next meeting.
Emergency
Senate Meeting:
In
light of the situation, over 35 concerned Senators of the university, invoking
The Doctrine of Necessity, convened an emergency Senate meeting. They forwarded
two names of former Deputy Vice-Chancellors to the council to prevent a
constitutional crisis and avoid anarchy and collapse within the university.
Appointment
of Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi:
The
council has since appointed Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi as the new acting vice
chancellor. The council expects Prof. Ikechebelu to officially hand over to
Prof. Umobi immediately, warning that failure to do so will be considered an
act of insubordination.
Commitment
to University’s Growth:
Mbadiwe
reiterated the council’s commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and progress
at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The council’s actions are aimed at fostering the
university's growth and addressing any internal conflicts efficiently.
Conclusion:
The clarification by Pro-Chancellor Amb Greg Mbadiwe highlights the procedural and legal steps taken by the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The appointment of Prof. Carol Umobi is seen as a move to stabilize the institution and promote its development amidst ongoing challenges.
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