UNIZIK: Call Pro-Chancellor to Order to Avert Looming Crisis – ASUU Tells Tinubu

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has sounded an alarm over alleged attempts by the institution’s Pro-Chancellor, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, to impose a pre-selected candidate as the next Vice-Chancellor (VC). The union expressed concerns that these actions, if unchecked, could disrupt industrial peace on campus.

In a press conference held on Tuesday, ASUU-UNIZIK Chairperson, Comrade Kingsley Ubaoji, called on President Bola Tinubu, as well as the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Education, to urgently rein in the Pro-Chancellor. Ubaoji warned that the Pro-Chancellor’s “dictatorial tendencies” and disregard for due process could escalate into a full-blown crisis at the university.

According to ASUU, there are unconfirmed reports of a planned meeting of the university’s Governing Council, called by the Minister of State for Education, which allegedly excludes key internal university stakeholders. Ubaoji criticized this exclusion, describing any decision made without ASUU and the internal council members as incomplete and potentially fruitless.

“We believe it is very wrong to exclude the internal members of the council and ASUU from such meetings. The acting VC is likely operating under the influence of the Pro-Chancellor and may not advocate for staff welfare as strongly as needed. That is why ASUU’s involvement is crucial,” Ubaoji said.

Accusations Against the Pro-Chancellor

Ubaoji outlined a series of grievances against Ambassador Mbadiwe, including allegations that he has been making unilateral decisions without the full composition of the Governing Council, in violation of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. ASUU claims that the Pro-Chancellor has disregarded the law by moving forward with the appointment of key positions, such as an acting VC and Registrar, without including elected representatives from the university’s Senate, Congregation, and Convocation.

The union expressed particular concern over the Pro-Chancellor’s decision to advertise the vacancy for Vice-Chancellor without first allowing the internal university constituencies to elect their representatives to the Governing Council. ASUU also accused Mbadiwe of manipulating the selection process by setting eligibility criteria that seem to favor a specific candidate, raising fears that the selection process is being tailored to suit an “anointed” individual.

Threats to University Stability

ASUU warned that the ongoing disregard for university processes and laws could lead to significant consequences, including a loss of trust in the university’s leadership, institutional instability, and damage to UNIZIK’s reputation.

“There is a deliberate attempt to undermine institutional processes. The criteria set for the VC position, particularly the requirement to have attracted a minimum of N400 million in research grants, appear designed to favor a pre-selected candidate while excluding many other qualified applicants,” Ubaoji stated.

The union also raised concerns that the listed criteria neglect crucial qualifications such as university administrative experience and global visibility, which are essential for the role of Vice-Chancellor.

Call for Presidential Intervention

In a final appeal, Ubaoji called on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure that due process is followed in the selection of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, and that the Pro-Chancellor’s actions are checked to prevent further unrest.

“We urge the government and the general public to join us in demanding that the Pro-Chancellor respects collective decision-making processes and the law. If these issues are not addressed promptly, we fear it may lead to a severe disruption of the academic environment at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” Ubaoji concluded.