The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, (UNIZIK) in Anambra State has clarified that the former Acting Vice Chancellor(VC) of the institution, Prof. Joe Ikechebelu was only directed to assume the office on temporary capacity.
Recall that Ikechibelu was the acting VC for little less than two months after taking over from the outgone VC, Prof. Charles Esimone.
There was confusion when a Professor of Law, Carol Umobi was appointed by the governing council to take over from Ikechibelu.
However, Special Adviser to the VC on Media, Dr Emma Ojukwu, who briefed journalists immediately after the handover, stated that the Council had directed that Ikechebelu, who was Deputy VC, Admin to oversee the university pending the appointment of an Acting VC.
The new Acting VC, Umobi, assumed office on Monday after a smooth handover.
Umobi will act for a non-renewable term of six months, and will not be a part of the contest for a substantive VC.
Ojukwu said: “I have been directed to brief you on happenings in the university. As you all know the Acting VC has taken office this morning. She is in the office now meeting with students of the university.
“You also know that Prof Joe Ikechebelu who was removed last Saturday was only directed to assume on temporary capacity, pending when the Council will appoint Acting VC and the Council has done so.
“Council has directed that Ikechebelu, who was Deputy VC Admin should oversee the university pending the appointment of an Acting VC.
“I must say that someone who is directed to oversee the university does not equate with the Acting Vice Chancellor.
“There are misrepresentation that there are two Acting Vice Chancellors in the university, but no one was appointed until now, and the recently constituted Council of the university has just been appointed and also taken over.
“The chairman of the council has just fulfilled its first assignment by picking an Acting Vice Chancellor.
“The Council said anyone who will contest to be substantive will not be acting so that everyone will get equal playing ground.
“ASUU advices that it will not be good for Ikechebelu to act, when he has interest in being a substantive. If Ikechebelu wishes to contest, he should know that the advert will be out soon and he can apply.”