MDCAN applauds the FG for canceling the selection process of UNIZIK VC

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Anambra State has commended President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and Permanent Secretary for Education, Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu for their intervention in the process of selection of the vice chancellor of the university.

In a statement signed by its president, Dr. Victor Modekwe, on Tuesday, the association described the intervention as a testament to the administration’s responsiveness and a significant step towards restoring confidence among stakeholders in the academic community.

“The decisive action taken to cancel the CV selection underlines the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in our educational institutions. This intervention is not only a testament to the responsiveness of the administration, but also a significant step towards restoring trust among stakeholders in the academic community,” read part of the statement.

Disputes arose between the university authorities and the Federal Ministry of Education regarding the appointment of the CV. Following the appointment of Professor Bernard Odoh as the university’s VC, a memorandum from the ministry quashed Odoh’s selection stating that the appointment did not follow due process.

The memo, signed by Ilyasu, described the appointment as a “gross disregard” of the constituted authority and contrary to existing provisions. The memo also canceled the recent appointment of a new registrar at the institution.

However, the Office of the VC of the university asked the public to disregard the ministry’s letter, saying that due process was thoroughly followed in the appointment of Odoh.

Meanwhile, MDCAN criticized the actions and conduct of the University Registrar, Barr. Rosemary Nwokike, particularly her recent correspondence with the Ministry of Education.

“Barr. Nwokike claimed that there was no formal meeting between the Pro-Chancellor and the Minister of State for Education but only informal discussions with the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She stressed that these discussions do not nullify the enforceability of a court order mandating the council to appoint the vice-chancellor.

“In response to questions regarding the absence of a ministry representative at the appointment meeting on October 29, 2024, she stated that all protocols were followed. MDCAN states that Barr. Nwokike is acting without the necessary Council resolution. As Secretary of both the Council and the Senate, he does not have the authority to respond to the Permanent Secretary’s letter without the formal approval of the Council. This raises the question of whose authority she represents.
“Moreover, the Clerk is not a personal secretary to the Pro-Chancellor or Pro-Chancellor. By positioning herself in this way, she undermines the dignity of her office and appears more like a “private/confidential secretary” than a civil servant.

“It is also worrying that the clerk-designate’s relationship with the pro-chancellor raises serious doubts about the integrity of his appointment and suggests possible nepotism. Furthermore, the continued use of the outdated letterhead, which recognizes an acting vice-chancellor, indicates a lack of competence and a disregard for established protocols,” the statement added.

The association reiterated its commitment to work with the government and relevant authorities to ensure the continued development and integrity of educational institutions.