Unizik Students Reject Carol Umobi As Acting VC

Raymond Ozoji July 21, 2024

The Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Unizik, Awka, Anambra State has condemned the invasion of the University by trucks load of military personnel on July 20, 2024, in a bid to aide the foisting of an Acting Vice-Chancellor without regard to due process as enshrined in the University Act and guidelines for appointing an acting Vice-Chancellor.

The students position was made public in a statement issued by the Students Union Government of the institution over the weekend.

Expressing their disaproval, the students described the approach adopted by the new Chairman of the Governing Council/ Pro Chancellor, Ambassador, Greg Mbadiwe and his team as recipè for chaos. According it the statement: " What if bullets were released by the invading soldiers who desecrated the University Senate chambers with their guns? Why the haste to foist a new Acting Vice-Chancellor when the University has someone in place? They querried.

According to the University Act, if the office of the Vice Chancellor is vacant, the governing council of the university should make the appointment upon recommendation from the university senate. However, the university has yet to hold a senate meeting to recommend candidate for the Vice Chancellor position.

It is baffling that Chairman of the Governing council went ahead and issued letter of appoinment to Prof Carol Umobi as the acting Vice Chancellor in voilation of the extant guidelines thus disrupting the peace and tranquility of our university

The students are calling on the governing council to adhere to the University Act and ensure that the proper processes are followed in the appointment of the acting Vice-Chancellor.

Any action that would lead negatively affect the academic calender and the smooth administration of the University will not be tolerated. They warned the military to desist from being dragged into getting involved in matters which are essentially meant for civil and academic progress and not for combat.

As the crisis ensues, the entire UNIZIK community awaits speedy resolution that will uphold the integrity of the institution and ensure that the best interests of the students and faculties are taken into consideration.