The Benin Development Union (BDU) has described as unfair and mischievous attempt by any group to ‘hide under the guise of ethnicity’ to derail the process of appointing a new vice chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The BDU, a socio cultural organisation in Edo State, was reacting to allegation by the Benin United Front (BUF), that the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lillian Imuetinya Salami, was plotting to manipulate the process so that candidates of Benin extraction did not emerge.
A statement by the group’s Director of Publicity, Dr. Franklin Omorowa Ikuobase, described the allegation as a “desperate outbursts of an unwholesome usurper seeking undeserving recognition in a matter that is both sensitive and significant to Edo community’s sustainable academic pinnacle.”
Part of the statement read: “The process for the succession of the vice chancellor of the University of Benin is grounded in law, ethics, credibility and merit, and it is unfathomable that any unintelligent ethnic jingoistic tendencies could be weaved into its buildup, or mischievous antics being launched at the outgoing Vice Chancellor with a view to derailing such a merit-proof exercise.
“It is important to note that the Benin Development Union, with the backing of our esteemed royal father, Oba Erediauwa Uku Akpolokpolo, CFR, alongside other critical stakeholders in Edo State, were instrumental to the struggle that led to the historic appointment of the first host community indigenous vice chancellor, the late emeritus Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin in September 2009.
“Our commitment to ensuring that the leadership of the University of Benin reflects the values and aspirations of our people is absolutely dogged and unwavering. Our militancy was firmly founded on the 37 years of exclusion of our sons and daughters who were eminently qualified professors.
“By providence and cooperation of other ethnic groups in the University, three professors of Benin extraction have had the plump job back to back. So, it is absolutely unreasonable to tout ethnic jingoistic sentiments any further. Edo born academics and other professors from any ethnic background must be encouraged to participate unhindered and without any form of molestation. “As a matter of fact, two professors of Benin extraction succeeded one another in the vice chancellorship of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. So, every Nigerian professor, regardless of senatorial district in Edo State or any geopolitical zone of Nigeria is eminently qualified and must be seen to be encouraged eminently to apply for the Federal Government university.
“No unhinged minds under the guise of sociocultural architecture would be allowed to sow any scaremongering tendency in this process. They are here and now rebuked by rational Edo men and women, as well as our ancestors.”
It noted further that their attempts to label the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Lilian Imuetinyan Salami, as pursuing anti-Benin agenda were not only baseless but also revealed a profound misunderstanding or inability to comprehend the proactive stakeholders’ collaborative efforts that have shaped the university’s leadership over the years.
“We urge all stakeholders to remain focused on the principles of integrity, credentials, capacity and fairness that guide the selection process for the next Vice-Chancellor, rather than succumbing to divisive rhetoric by some unhinged elements. Let us stand united in our pursuit of excellence for the University of Benin and the greater good of the Edo nation as a whole.”