The authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka, Anambra State, have directed its staff members who instituted court cases against the institution to withdraw the actions forthwith.
The directive, which emanated from the office of the Registrar, Barr (Mrs.) R.I Nwokike, and conveyed through an internal memo dated November 11, 2024, with ref: NAU/NEG/95/Vol. VII/44, was addressed to ‘all concerned staff’ of the university community’.
The memo read:
“The Pro-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, issues this directive to all staff members who have filed lawsuits against the institution. You are required to withdraw these cases within seven days of this notice.
“Failure to comply with this directive will be considered an act of defiance against the Council’s authority, and will be treated accordingly.
“Your prompt adherence to this directive is expected and appreciated,” the memo concluded.
Although the exact court cases the institution was referring to could not be established, sources said it might not be unconnected with the recent selection of a substantive Vice Chancellor, which sparked controversy.
Notably, a group – concerned internal members of the 10th Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka – had petitioned the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, alleging exclusion in the process of selecting a substantive Vice Chancellor for the institution.
The group, in its petition dated November 1, 2024, catalogued the alleged shoddiness in the entire selection process, which culminated in the final decision taken on October 29, 2024.
The petition was jointly signed by Rv. Fr. Prof Ikenga Oraegbunam (Rep, Senate); Prof Tracie Utoh-Ezeajugh (Rep, Senate); Prof Igwebuike V. Onyiaorah (Rep, Senate); and Engr. Samuel Ikechukwu Onwuemene (Rep, Congregation).
The wrote: “We, the under-signed, as concerned internal members of the 10th Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, hereby call your attention to a letter by the Registrar in response to letter from Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, University Education Department dated 1st November , 2024 and referenced NAU/REG/95b, wherein the Office of the Registrar alleged that the complete Governing Council joined in short-listing, selecting and appointing a Vice Chancellor, which event was finalized on 29th of October, 2024.
“We write to state how we were clearly sidelined in the process leading to the appointment of 7th substantive Vice Chancellor and new Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“The procedure for selection and appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as contained in the relevant provisions of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act and the University Miscellaneous Provisions Act.
“The combined reading of the above laws envisages that the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar shall be appointed by the Governing Council after due process leading thereto….”