UNN: VC race heats up, 5 profs contest position

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is abuzz with anticipation as the search for an acting Vice Chancellor continues. Recent rumors suggesting that former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Polycarp Emeka Chigbu has been appointed to the role have been firmly dispelled by the professor himself.

Prof. Chigbu addressed the circulating misinformation in a statement, clarifying that no appointment has been made. He stressed that the process of selecting an acting Vice Chancellor is still underway and is overseen by the University’s governing council.

“It has come to my attention that reports are circulating online claiming that I have been elected as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I wish to categorically state that no such appointment has been made. I have not been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor, and any reports suggesting otherwise are both false and unsubstantiated,” Chigbu asserted.

The selection process involves a rigorous procedure, with the Senate having recently conducted elections on August 12, 2024. During this election, the Senate reviewed nine candidates and selected five distinguished professors, whose names have been forwarded to the governing council for further consideration.

“The process to elect an Acting Vice Chancellor remains ongoing and has not yet reached a conclusion. On August 12, 2024, the Senate conducted elections among nine candidates, from which five professors were selected and their names forwarded to the University Governing Council for further consideration and vetting. Subsequently, the Governing Council will choose one of these five candidates to serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor. Therefore, any news circulating in the media is incorrect and lacks any basis,” Chigbu elaborated.

The university community now eagerly awaits the governing council’s decision, which is expected to shape the immediate future of one of Nigeria’s foremost educational institutions.