The fears of the opposition camp at Nnamdi Azikiwe University—that the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, has perfected plans to impose a candidate to succeed him—may eventually come to pass following a directive from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The process of selecting who succeeds Esimone has been acrimonious, with the opposition deploying several means to accuse the outgoing VC of planning to enthrone his puppet at the university’s helm of affairs.
These tactics have not gone unattended to, as the university management has persistently responded, accusing them of crying wolf, where there is none.
Esimone’s five-year tenure will come to an end on June 4, 2024, having assumed office about the same time in 2019.
The NUC directive sighted by our correspondent directed all the outgoing Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities to hand over to their most senior ranking deputies.
It was gathered that Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, who has been accused of being the outgoing VC’s puppet, is the only Deputy Vice Chancellor in UNIZIK.
Thus, following the NUC directive, it is expected that the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone will hand over to Ikechebelu on June 4.
The NUC directive sighted by our correspondent, which was signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Chris J. Maiyaki, read in part, ”HANDOVER PROTOCOL FOR OUTGOING VICE-CHANCELLORS
I write to convey the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, to the effect that Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, who are rounding up their tenures, should hand over their responsibilities to their most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university, in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities, which stipulates that Vice-Chancellors are not to remain in Office beyond their designated terminal dates.
“This measure is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the leadership of the universities, thereby maintaining the requisite stability and continuity for the effective administration and academic performance of the various institutions.
“Out-going Vice-Chancellors are further, requested to ensure that a detailed handover report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, university assets, financial statements, and any other pertinent information, forms part of the handover process.
“Please note that the Federal Ministry of Education and your respective University Senates must be duly notified of your handover before the terminal dates.
The Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the contributions of all outgoing Vice-Chancellors and anticipates your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition process.
“This directive is effective immediately and compliance is mandatory.
“Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.”
