The coast is not clear in the leadership of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka following the emergence of Prof Arinze Umobi as Vice Chancellor of the Institution while the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Joe Ikechebelu still lays claim to the same position, New Telegraph reports.
The paper said while the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe read a letter on the appointment of Umobi as the Acting Vice Chancellor, the Acting Registrar of the University, Rev Samuel N Ufoh in a release contended that the meeting of the Governing Council ended without any decisions, adding that the Prof Ikechebelu remains the Acting VC of the Institution.
According to Ufoh, in the meeting, Ambassador Mbadiwe presented a resolution in which he claimed that twenty-four members of the University Senate in attendance signed the letter of appointment of Umobi.
Continuing Ufoh noted that the proposed letter was signed by Prof Stan Udedi as Chairman and Prof Eric Ofoede as Secretary which the internal members of the Senate objected to it
This objection led to the Pro-Chancellor Mbadiwe and members of the Senate walking out on the meeting adding that the meeting ended inconclusive insisting that the status quo remains meaning that Prof Joe Ikechebelu remains the Acting Vice Chancellor until the meeting of the Senate on the 24th of July this year.
But in a letter of appointment signed by Amb. Mbadiwe confirmed the appointment of Prof Arinze Umobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
The letter reads: “I 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 appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on the 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.”
Efforts to reach Prof Ikechebelu proved abortive at the time of this report.
