UNIZIK Refutes Claims of Political Interference in VC Appointment

In a swift response to recent allegations surrounding the appointment of the next Vice Chancellor (VC), the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has categorically debunked the claims of political interference and manipulation in the selection process.

A report had suggested that certain political parties, along with the current VC, Professor Charles Esimone, were influencing the race for the next VC. However, the university's Special Adviser on Public Relations and Special Duties, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, dismissed the article as "fabricated falsehood" in a statement released on Sunday.

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According to the statement, the university clarified that the appointment of the Vice Chancellor is strictly governed by guidelines outlined by the Federal Ministry of Education. The Governing Council of the university and the University Senate jointly conduct interviews and appoint the most qualified candidate based on these guidelines.

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The university strongly condemned the false claims of candidates being sponsored by political parties for extraneous reasons, emphasizing that the Federal Government, through its established processes, ultimately determines the appointment of the Vice Chancellor.

The statement also clarified that the incumbent VC, Professor Charles Esimone, has no authority under the existing university law to appoint a successor or influence the outcome of the selection process. Prof. Esimone himself expressed a belief that the choice of the next VC is in the hands of God and urged for the emergence of the best-suited candidate.

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The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University condemned the attempt to tarnish the university's reputation and cautioned against further attempts to create unnecessary tension within the institution. It commended the Federal Government for its efforts in improving the welfare of staff and students in Nigerian universities.

This clarification aims to put to rest the speculation and misinformation circulating about the integrity of the process involved in appointing the next Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.