Save Enugu Group Urges Incoming Governing Council to Reverse Acting Vice-Chancellor Appointment at UNN
The Save Enugu Group (SEG) has issued a scathing statement, insisting on the reversal of the recent appointment of Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), urging the incoming General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) led Governing Council of the university to set aside the outcome of the process.
The SEG in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Comrade James Ezema, maintained that “the appointment, made in the absence of a properly constituted governing council, is both illegal and unjust.”
The socio-political pressure group noted that following the expiration of the former Vice-Chancellor’s tenure, the University Senate ought to have facilitated a smooth transition by appointing the most senior official within the university management to act until the governing council of the University is constituted.
“Instead, a questionable process led to the election of an acting Vice-Chancellor, bypassing established federal civil service rules and directives from the Federal Ministry of Education through the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“The SEG notes that its interest is based on the fact that the university’s reputation and academic excellence depend on transparent leadership and adherence to due process, which a kangaroo appointment in the absence of a governing council during such critical decision-making process will erode.
“The Pro-Chancellor nominee for the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), General Ike Nwachukwu (retd.) and other newly nominated Governing Council members, including Pro. Lere Oke, Senator Sani Ahmed Stores, Mrs. Priscillia Nkeiruka Okonkwo, and Barr. Semiu Kukoyi, must prioritize addressing these issues.
“These President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominees hold a crucial responsibility in ensuring fairness and adherence to established norms at the UNN to reposition the University”, the SEG said.
The SEG also reaffirmed its earlier vow to take all necessary legal and civic actions to ensure that its concerns were addressed and that justice prevailed.
