Protest Erupts at UNIZIK Over Vice Chancellor Appointment

Protests Erupt at UNIZIK Over Vice-Chancellor Appointment

A leadership crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has sparked protests, as the institution’s Senate calls for the dissolution of the newly appointed Governing Council. The unrest intensified on Wednesday during a Senate meeting, with members carrying placards and urging President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the council, led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.

The university, which has been grappling with a leadership vacuum since the departure of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Charles Esimone on June 4, is now embroiled in internal strife. Initially, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu stepped in as Acting Vice-Chancellor, but the Governing Council’s subsequent appointment of Prof. Carol Umobi to the role for six months has escalated tensions.

What began as a routine Senate meeting to elect representatives for the university’s governing bodies turned into a chaotic session. Members of the Senate openly expressed their frustration, accusing the Pro-Chancellor, Greg Mbadiwe, of fueling the leadership conflict. They argue that the Governing Council, under Mbadiwe’s leadership, is undermining the stability of the institution.

One Senate member, speaking anonymously, revealed the depth of the discontent. “Politicians are trying to hijack the process. They all want to install their preferred candidate as Vice-Chancellor, but we are saying no. We want fairness, and the students are ready to protest if this isn’t resolved soon.”

The looming threat of student unrest has added another layer of urgency to the crisis, with fears that the situation could spiral out of control if not addressed promptly.

Despite widespread calls for his removal, some Senate members defended Ambassador Mbadiwe, suggesting that the pushback against him stems from his efforts to introduce reforms. “Mbadiwe is challenging the old ways of doing things, and that’s why there’s resistance. This isn’t about politicians—it’s about change,” one member stated.

A particular point of contention is the criteria for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor, which includes a requirement that candidates must have secured a N400 million grant for the university. Senate members have criticized this stipulation, arguing that it unfairly narrows the pool of candidates.

In response to the crisis, Senate members have vowed not to cooperate with the current Governing Council and are demanding an extension of Prof. Carol Umobi’s term as Acting Vice-Chancellor until a new council is appointed. Meanwhile, students are gearing up for further protests if the situation remains unresolved, signaling that tensions at UNIZIK are far from over.