From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), have backed the removal of the vice chancellor, Professor of Polycarp Emeka Chigbu,. claiming that the move would Give room for probity and sanity in the running of the affairs of tertiary institutions, particularly the recruitment process of Vice Chancellors.
A UNN Alumnus, Prof. Barnabas Iliya, who addressed journalists yesterday in Abuja said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had proved to sceptics that his administration was sincere about its renewed hope agenda.
Iliya stressed that the reshuffling of the leadership organogram of some universities is strong pointer that the Federal Government was interested in making Nigerian universities true citadels of learning.
“Nigerians will recall that barely two weeks ago we sounded a note of caution in the way things are being done regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors. We called for caution in UNN to preserve the prevailing academic peace and social harmony in the institution.
“We also explained that our concern arose from the need to insulate UNN from the recriminations that trailed similar exercises in Nnamdi Azikiwe University of Awka and Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja.
“Today, we are happy that President Tinubu showed that his is a listening Presidency by intervening to arrest the simmering sounds of approaching trouble in these notable universities. While we commend the President for this spontaneous show of leadership, we urge the new helmsmen to toe the path of excellence and probity.”
Also, Prof. Iliya noted that the appointment of Prof. Ujam, a no-nonsense academic disciplinarian, as the acting VC of UNN has gone a long way to convince stakeholders that plans are afoot for serious sanitisation of the recruitment process.
“As alumni of the UNN, we are happy that Prof. Ujam’s efforts to sanitise the School of General Studies have been recognised. We are therefore elated that this thorough-bred academic was appointed by President Tinubu to oversee the overall administration of the university.
“This goes to show that indeed the President is adept at head hunting experts for essential responsibilities. We are eager to see our UNN climb high in the ranking of Universities through excellence in character and learning to ensure that it delivers on its core mandate of restoring the dignity of mankind,” Prof. Iliya stated.