The new acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Carol Umobi has assumed office.
Umobi took over in a smooth transition as she was handed over by the former acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Joe Ikechebelu, who was last weekend removed by the council of the university, led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.
The council had sat on Saturday and even though there was stalemate during the meeting, Mbadiwe had shortly before leaving the university, handed Umobi his appointment letter, to act for six months.
The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media, Dr Emma Ojukwu who briefed journalists immediately after the handover said Umobi will act for a non renewable term of six months, and will not be a part of the contest for a substantive vice chancellor.
Ojukwu while briefing journalists said: “I have been directed to brief you on happenings in the university. As you all know the acting Vice Chancellor has taken office this morning. She is in the office now meeting with student unioneaders 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.
“Prof Ikechebelu who was deputy Vice Chancellor administration had been appointed to oversee the university pending the appointment of an acting VC, as the governing council of the university was yet to be constituted then.”
Ojukwu corrected impression in the media, which said that the university has two Vice Chancellors with the appointment of Umobi.
He said: “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 advised 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,” Ojukwu said.
THISDAY however gathered that Ikechebelu has reverted to his previous position as Deputy Vice Chancellor administration of the university.
David-Chyddy Eleke
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