1 week ago
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By Chukwudum Okoye
One of Nigeria’s fundamental problems is the systematic degradation of state institutions by Nigerians themselves, particularly politicians who wield significant influence. Among the institutions most affected is the educational sector, which has not been spared this unfortunate trend. A glaring example is the manner in which universities are managed during leadership transitions, often marked by political interference and a departure from merit-based processes.
Recently, several tertiary institutions have experienced leadership crises, most of which were exacerbated by politicians appointed to their governing councils. A notable example is Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where the situation has been particularly disheartening. The chairman of the governing council, it seems, arrived with a premeditated agenda. Despite widespread awareness of his intentions, he executed his plan without hesitation – facilitating the emergence of an unqualified individual, someone not even holding the rank of professor, as Vice-Chancellor. To compound the issue, he also appointed his sister, from the same town, as the registrar.
During this period, many of us – including the writer, who had initially opposed Prof. Ikechebelu – found ourselves rallying behind him. What swayed our stance was the remarkable maturity and professionalism with which he handled the entire situation. In time, it became evident that his real challenge was his commitment to doing things the right way.
The public outcry was further fuelled by the reckless actions of the unqualified individual who assumed office. From the outset, he displayed an alarming disregard for prudence, indulging in extravagant expenditures. He secured luxury hotel accommodations for himself and his associates at the university’s expense, costing UNIZIK millions daily. In a shocking display of excess, he even resorted to commuting to work via helicopter on at least three occasions. Such brazen extravagance, driven by an epicurean lifestyle, left the entire university community deeply wounded.
Thus, when he was eventually removed, there was a universal sense of relief and jubilation. For the university community, it marked the first step toward an epistemic rebirth – an opportunity to restore order and integrity to the institution. During those tumultuous months of leadership instability, the university suffered greatly. Numerous appointments were made and subsequently overturned, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and confusion. However, upon assuming office as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu, in his wisdom, swiftly restored the status quo, reversing the arbitrary decisions that had disrupted the institution. His decisive and pragmatic approach further reinforced the belief that his leadership was essential for fully stabilising and repositioning the university on the path of academic excellence.
Amid all that has transpired, we must extend our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu. His intervention at UNIZIK demonstrates not only his attentiveness but also his deep understanding of the affairs of the state. It reaffirms that he is actively monitoring developments across various sectors and institutions.
As part of what could be described as an educational revolution, President Tinubu took decisive action by removing certain Vice-Chancellors, including those of the University of Abuja and Alvan Ikoku University of Education. Their appointments were fraught with irregularities and without regard for due process. This same disregard for due process was one of the primary reasons behind the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. If we fail to uphold integrity and excellence in our universities, the nation’s future is at grave risk. Universities are the bedrock of intellectual and national development, and any compromise in their leadership threatens the very fabric of our progress.
The President unequivocally stated, as a precondition, that those appointed to replace the removed officials would not be eligible to contest for the substantive positions. This measure ensures that the selection process remains fair and devoid of undue advantage. For those who believe they are qualified and are already preparing to contest, the choice is clear – they have the option to decline the appointment, if they wish to pursue the substantive role.
However, as soon as the announcements were made, troublemakers at UNIZIK swiftly retreated to their trenches, reigniting their disruptive agenda. I came across demands insisting that the same condition be applied to UNIZIK, as though they were the ones who originally advised Mr. President to take that decision. What this clearly implies is that Mr. President, who has access to a vast array of intelligence and information, must have carefully considered the unique circumstances of each university before making his decisions. His approach underscores the fact that governance is not driven by external noise but by informed judgment and strategic reasoning.
Ultimately, the key question for those agitating for the same condition to be applied to UNIZIK is this: What does the University Act say about the selection of a Vice-Chancellor? Why the specific pronouncement on Abuja and Nsukka? It is important to note that Acting Vice-Chancellors have often gone on to become substantive Vice-Chancellors, as seen in the recent cases of Prof. Bashir Garba. This practice has long been part of the tradition in higher institutions, particularly when the goal is to appoint individuals with proven experience and institutional knowledge.
While certain universities faced peculiar circumstances that warranted conditional appointments for their Acting Vice-Chancellors, it would be misguided to demand that this become a standard practice across all institutions. Each university’s situation should be evaluated on its own merits, in line with established laws and best practices. I am not necessarily an advocate for Ikechebelu, but he is undeniably a man of destiny. Previously, I wrote on this platform in support of the professors who crafted the doctrine of necessity, as I too did not initially want him as Vice-Chancellor. Being an Acting Vice-Chancellor does not affect the fundamental process with a neutral governing council, as it is designed to be beyond manipulation if properly followed.
However, after the university experienced two Vice-Chancellors following his departure, only to witness his eventual return, it has become evident that maturity – a quality he possesses in abundance – plays a crucial role in high-stakes appointments. His leadership has, in many ways, underscored the value of experience, stability, and wisdom in steering an institution towards progress. The unfolding events in our higher institutions serve as yet another clarion call to re-evaluate the criteria for appointing members to University Governing Councils.
The actions of the recently dissolved UNIZIK Governing Council within just a few months stand as a glaring example of how deeply entrenched political interference has corrupted the system. If we are to preserve the sanctity of academia, urgent reforms are needed to ensure that only individuals with a genuine commitment to educational excellence and institutional progress are entrusted with such responsibilities. Like Hercules cleansing the Augean stables, President Tinubu has stepped in to restore order. He must, however, remain steadfast and not succumb to the distractions of those driven by selfish interests – particularly those advocating for policies that, while suitable for UniAbuja, want it imposed on UNIZIK. Mr. President is on the right path. He should be left to execute his reforms without undue interference.
• Okoye is a doctoral student at UNIZIK
English (US) ·