Crisis erupts at UniZik over Vice Chancellor election
Tension mounts at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka, Anambra State, as the election process for the university’s new Vice Chancellor faces backlash and accusations of discrimination.
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has accused the University’s Governing Council of bias against its members and has sought legal intervention from the National Industrial Court.
MDCAN is demanding a postponement of the Vice Chancellor selection process until pressing issues are resolved. However, sources within the University Council report that plans to conduct interviews for the role are underway this week. Stakeholders have expressed concerns about potential unrest if alleged biases are not addressed.
The university community has raised alarms over alleged discrimination by the Governing Council in the eligibility requirements for the Vice Chancellor role. Calls for intervention have gone out to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education, urging them to prevent an impending industrial crisis that could impact university operations.
Controversy has reportedly surrounded actions taken by the Pro-Chancellor since assuming office, particularly concerning the Vice Chancellor selection. The university’s Senate recently requested that the Council retract a contentious advertisement related to the election process, a request that was allegedly dismissed by the Council.
MDCAN’s primary grievance lies with the revised qualification criteria, which exclude candidates without a doctorate degree, thus disqualifying its members who have administrative experience in the university. According to Dr. Victor Modekwe, Chairman of the MDCAN’s NAUTH Nnewi Chapter, past advertisements allowed either a doctorate or equivalent qualifications and relevant university administrative experience. The association further alleges that the Council is positioning a candidate with qualifications that remain under scrutiny.
The Council is also accused of obtaining a consent judgment from the National Industrial Court in Awka on October 19, potentially clearing the way for the controversial election to proceed.
(Vanguard)
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