The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, seeking his intervention in the institution’s 57th inaugural lecture scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
In the petition, ASUU called for the cancellation of the lecture, citing alleged irregularities surrounding the professorship of Professor Raphael Echebiri, the scheduled inaugural lecturer.
A statement signed by M. Ugwuene, ASUU-MOUAU chairperson, and E.C. Osodeke, the union’s secretary, claimed that Echebiri’s professorship, originally granted under the administration of former Vice Chancellor Professor Hilary Edeoga, was later revoked. The union further alleged that the current administration reinstated Echebiri’s promotion without addressing previous concerns.
The union referenced a letter sent to Vice Chancellor Professor Maduebibisi Iwe on August 26, 2024, which reminded him of a report by the MOUAU Visitation Panel. According to the report, Echebiri’s promotion had not followed the proper procedures.
“We demand the cancellation of the inaugural lecture and urge the Vice Chancellor to refrain from promoting actions that undermine the university’s integrity. Such practices risk returning the university to an era of impunity and damaging its public reputation,” the ASUU statement read.
In response, Ubadire Agua, Head of the Public Relations Unit at MOUAU, dismissed ASUU’s allegations, stating that the university’s Senate, which includes ASUU members, had approved Professor Echebiri as the inaugural lecturer.
Agua defended Vice Chancellor Iwe, describing him as a leader committed to peace and institutional development. He affirmed that the lecture would proceed as planned, stressing that the university’s current atmosphere of peace and progress should not be disrupted.
“The inaugural lecture will go ahead as scheduled. The Vice Chancellor has consistently prioritized fairness and the best interests of the institution,” Agua stated.
The ongoing dispute has raised concerns about the potential impact on MOUAU’s reputation and governance, highlighting broader issues related to transparency and due process in academic institutions.