After a weekend of verbal fights and correspondences, Prof Carol Umobi was finally on Monday, officially handed over as the acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State.
The handover was done by the former coordinating Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu.
Recall that the University’s Governing Council had in a letter dated 20th of July, announced that Umobi would replace Ikechebelu, but various quarters had tackled the council, alleging highhandedness.
However, Ikechebelu, after handing over to the Acting Vice Chancellor on Monday, reverted to his former position as Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration of the University.
He pledged to support the new Acting Vice Chancellor towards the growth and development of the university.
Addressing journalists shortly after the brief handover, the Special Adviser to the Acting Vice Chancellor on Public Relations and Special Duties, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, said Prof Ikechebelu was never appointed as the Acting VC of the University, rather was asked to oversee the affairs, pending when the council will appoint Acting Vice-Chancellor.
According to him, the council in the fulfilment of its responsibilities has appointed the Acting Vice Chancellor in the person of Prof Carol Umobi.
“You recall that for over one year, the University did not have a council and Prof Ikechebelu was merrily directed to oversee the affairs of the university pending the appointment of Acting Vice Chancellor,” he said.
According to him, someone who was asked to oversee the affairs of the university cannot be equated to being Acting Vice-Chancellor.
He said; “When the council came in place, in its wisdom. based on the recommendations of the Senate of the University, it appointed Prof Carol Umobi as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“You know that there was no governing council of the university for over a year until the Federal Government appointed the 10th Governing Council of the University headed by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe who just performed its first Responsibility, which was the appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor in the person of Prof Carol Umobi. The process was peaceful and orderly.”
Ojukwu said the 10th Governing Council wanted to make sure that whosoever is ready to contest for the position of the Vice Chancellor of the University shall not be Acting VC.
“This is because the Council wants to create a level playing ground for everybody. When the Council came in, it thought it would not be wise, when it is clear that somebody who will contest for the position of VC is made the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
“The council is of the belief that it will create an undue advantage against others.
“If Prof Joseph Ikechebelu is interested in the position of substantive Vice Chancellor, the advert will soon come out, he should apply and go through the process.
“The council assures of being transparent in whatever it does towards the growth and development of the University,” he said
