By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has shared the University’s response to the Federal Government over the recent nullification of the appointments of its new VC and Registrar hours after their assumption of office.
Recall that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Education, recently announced the nullification and voiding of the recent appointments made by the Prof. Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council in UNIZIK.
The nullification of the appointments, which was communicated through a letter dated November 1 and signed by R. A. Ilyasu (for the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry), was said to have been inspired by some reasons.
Part of the reasons cited was the failure of the University’s Governing to reconcile with the aggrieved parties in the University Community before going on to make the appointments, as well as carrying on with the appointment without the representatives of the Ministry, the internal council members, and other stakeholders, which the Ministry described as a gross disregard to constituted authority.
However, in a response letter by the University, addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, the institution cleared the air, clarified its position, and defended the appointments as following the due process.
The letter, signed by the Registrar/Secretary to the Governing Council, Barr. (Mrs.) R. I. Nwokike, abd dated November 1, also raised objections against some claims made in the letter by the federal government that formed their reasons for the nullification of the Council’s appointments of VC and Registrar.
Titled “RE: Appointment of Substantive Vice-Chancellor and Registrar for Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka”, the letter read: “…Following receipt of your correspondence, I am directed to respond as follows:
“Meeting with the Minister of State for Education: Contrary to any assumption of a formal engagement, the Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education. Instead, informal discussions took place between the outgoing Minister of State and the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. It is important to clarify that these discussions do not supersede or alter the enforceability of the court’s judgment. The Council, in discharging its duties, adhered strictly to a valid judgment from a competent court, which directed the Council to exercise its statutory authority in appointing the Vice-Chancellor. Please find attached the court judgment for reference.
“Appointment Proceedings for the Vice-Chancellor: In response to concerns regarding the absence of the Ministry’s representative, certain internal Council members, and other stakeholders at the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on Tuesday, 29th October 2024, we wish to clarify that all necessary protocols were observed. Invitations were duly issued to all relevant parties, ensuring that everyone was informed and given the opportunity to attend.
The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Federal Character Commission, external and internal Council members, and various other stakeholders, demonstrating a broad representation of interests. For further verification, attached are the attendance register, photographs documenting the proceedings, and copies of the official meeting notice sent to stakeholders.
“Additionally, we confirm that the quorum was duly constituted in compliance with the statutory requirements set forth in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004. In accordance with Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council, the quorum requirement mandates the presence of five members, including at least one of the following: the Vice-Chancellor or his Deputy, one appointee of the Visitor, and one appointee of the Senate.
For reference and validation, please find attached the Council’s constitutional documents transparency in the appointment process. Please see attached documents and additional information linking these requirements to the University Act. These documents underscore our adherence to procedural integrity and commitment to transparency in the appointment process. Please attached documents.
“Due Process and Selection Protocol: Due process was meticulously observed throughout the selection and appointment processes for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar. The suggestion of “reconciling with aggrieved persons” is not relevant to this procedural integrity. Of the eighteen applicants for the position, fifteen attended the interview, and score sheets were duly documented. The Council, within the scope of its lawful authority, has fulfilled its mandate with transparency and adherence to the University’s regulations. Supporting documents on the application and interview process are attached.
“We appreciate your attention to these clarifications and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of due process and legal compliance.”
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