UNIZIK medical alumni seek fairness in appointment of VC

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Medical Alumni Association has called for the immediate withdrawal and review of a recent advertisement for the appointment of a new vice-chancellor of the university. President of the association, Prof. Evaristus Afiadigwe, made the call at a news briefing yesterday in Abuja. He expressed serious concerns about perceived breaches in […]

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Medical Alumni Association has called for the immediate withdrawal and review of a recent advertisement for the appointment of a new vice-chancellor of the university.

President of the association, Prof. Evaristus Afiadigwe, made the call at a news briefing yesterday in Abuja.

He expressed serious concerns about perceived breaches in the advertisement, particularly its exclusion of medical professionals.

He said, “What we are calling for is the immediate withdrawal of the current advertisement, the release of a new one that reflects fairness and inclusiveness, and a review of the council’s criteria to ensure medical professionals are not excluded.”

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He also highlighted a new requirement in the advertisement that stipulates candidates must have attracted a grant of at least ₦400 million to qualify for the role.

Dr. Victor  Modekwe, Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), UNIZIK said that the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) had been duly informed of these irregularities.

He appealed to the federal government and other relevant authorities to intervene and ensure the university’s leadership selection process remains merit-based and inclusive.

Reacting to the call, a statement issued by the institution’s authorities and made available to Daily Trust by Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Special Adviser to the Acting Vice Chancellor (Information and Public Relations), said  the university is committed to fairness in the appointment of a vice chancellor , and that the advertisement clearly revealed that applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field.

He said that the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, headed by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Amb. Greg O. Mbadiwe approved the advertisement for the position of vice-chancellor of the university.

The Governing Council, during its 131st regular meeting on Thursday, September 26, 2024, considered the requirement of a PhD for vice-chancellor applicants.

“The Council decided that MDCAN should send a delegation to the National Universities Commission (NUC) to determine if a medical fellowship is equivalent to a PhD degree. However, the Council emphasised that if the NUC confirms this equivalency, the medical fellowship will be accepted as an equivalent to a PhD for the appointment of the substantive vice-chancellor.”

The statement added that it was surprising that efforts to communicate the Governing Council’s position to MDCAN had yielded little progress.