By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIk), Awka, Anambra state has directed Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu to handover without delay to his successor, Prof. Carol Umobi.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Amb. Greg Ozuomba Mbadiwe on Monday.
He said that Ikechebelu was never appointed the Acting Vice-Chancellor by the Council.
According to him, Ikechebelu merely oversaw the office temporarily following NUC directives, pending Council’s inauguration.
Mbadiwe said the Council, in response to ASUU/NASU’s appeal, directed the nomination of former Deputy Vice-Chancellors aged 65-70 for the Acting Vice-Chancellor position, noting that despite Council’s directive, there was reluctance to convene an emergency Senate meeting.
According to him, concerned Senators of the University, numbering over 35, acting on The Doctrine of Necessity” convened an emergency Senate meeting and forwarded two names of former Deputy Vice-Chancellors to the Council.
He said the Senate took the action of the appointment to avoid a constitutional logjam and to prevent the university from imminent anarchy and collapse.
“The Council has appointed Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor. We expect Prof. Ikechebelu to hand over officially to her immediately.
“Failure to do so will be considered an act of insubordination,”
“The Council is aware of the court challenge regarding the involvement of the dissolved 9th Council internal members and has advised them to step aside pending the court’s decision.
“We assure all stakeholders that the Council’s actions are in the best interest of the university’s growth and development. The Council will address any acts of insubordination in its next meeting.
“We remain committed to ensuring peace, sanity, and progress at Nnamdi Azikiwe University”he said.
