by Nurat Uthman
The new acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Carol Umobi, has assumed office.
Prof. Umobi took over in a peaceful transition, succeeding the former acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, who was removed last weekend by the university council, led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.
The council met last Saturday and, despite a stalemate during the meeting, Mbadiwe handed Umobi her appointment letter before leaving the university, appointing her to pilot the affairs of the university for six months.
The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media, Dr. Emma Ojukwu, briefed journalists immediately after the handover ceremony held at the university auditorium on Monday.
Ojukwu stated that Umobi will act for a non-renewable term of six months and will not be part of the contest for a substantive vice chancellor.
Ojukwu said: “I have been directed to brief you on the happenings in the university. As you all know, the acting VC took office this morning. She is in the office now, meeting with students of the university.
“You also know that Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, who was removed last Saturday, was only directed to assume a temporary capacity pending the council’s appointment of an acting VC, and the council has done so.
“The council has directed that Ikechebelu, who was Deputy VC of Administration, should oversee the university pending the appointment of an acting VC.
“I must say that someone who is directed to oversee the university does not equate with the acting Vice Chancellor.
“There are misrepresentations that there are two acting Vice Chancellors in the university, but no one was appointed until now. The recently constituted council of the university has just made the appointment and taken over.
“The chairman of the council has just fulfilled its first assignment by appointing an acting Vice Chancellor.
“The council said anyone who will contest to be substantive will not be acting so that everyone will get an equal playing ground.
“ASUU advises that it will not be good for Ikechebelu to act when he has an interest in becoming the substantive Vice Chancellor. If Ikechebelu wishes to contest, he should know that the advertisement will be out soon, and he can apply,” Ojukwu said.
It was however gathered that Prof. Ikechebelu has reverted to his previous position as Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration of the university.
