VC Appointments Should be Based on Merit, Why Are Qualified Indigene Excluded? - Enugu Former Governor Queries

The former governor of Enugu state, Okwesilieze Nwodo, has on the 2nd of May, 2024, queried on why qualified professors from Enugu North senatorial district, had not been appointed as the vice chancellor of the university of Nigeria, Nsukka.

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He made this case on his interview with Arise television.

According to him, the university have over 200 qualified indigenous professors, therefore, it is surprising that none of them have been appointed. He also stated that the reveal seemed suspicious to the indigenous people.

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Nwodo noted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was established in 1955 by Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, who was the first President of Nigeria during the First Nigerian Republic. It was established in collaboration with the University of Michigan. However, the school started students' enrolment in 1960.

According to him, the first and subsequent Chancellor were from the United States of America, and it has set a high standard in the appointment of Vice Chancellors in the university.

He, however stated, "We are skeptical of the so-called merit based system in the selection. You cannot tell me that with over 200 indigenous Professors, none of them were qualified for the position. Our people are not happy, that for over sixty-four years (64) of the university's establishment, we do not have any Vice Chancellor from our senatorial zone".

He also stated that as a host, they have been very welcoming to the previously appointed Vice Chancellors, but they feel an unjust treatment, where 90% of federal universities appoints indigenous Vice Chancellors. He gave an instance of personal experience, when he was the deputy Vice Chancellor in University of Technology in Owerri, the then acting vice chancellor of the university wanted to apply for the post of Vice Chancellor. So he lobbied for him. However, they met stiff opposition, he was rejected with a reason that they do not accept non-indigene as their Vice Chancellors.

Nwodo's argument was tagged nativist, placing regional sentiments into an appointment that is not in the hands of the people. It was noted that as a public servant, he should not try to rile up the public, which might lead to disunity, conflicts, and disagreements between his senatorial district and others. Instead, he should pursue equity, unity, peace, and a one Nigeria.