Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Governing Council has issued a seven-day ultimatum to staff members who filed lawsuits regarding the appointments of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar.
These staff members were directed to withdraw their lawsuits within the given timeframe.
The controversy surrounds the appointments of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor and Barr. (Mrs) Rosemary I. Nwokike as Registrar.
Some staff members, including Prof. Ikechukwu Ekwealor and Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Obi Oguejiofor, have challenged these appointments in court, representing themselves and some members of the University Senate.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo ordered a substituted service Originating Summons on the Defendants in the suit, which includes the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, National Universities Commission, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and its Governing Council.
Efforts by the Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, to address the issue have been futile as the university community remains divided.
On October 30, SaharaReporters reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter had also filed a legal action against the appointment of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh and Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the University respectively.
In the suit filed on October 29, at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Awka Judicial Division, marked Suit No: NICN/AWK/52/2024, the Claimants sought among others an order of perpetual injunction restraining the duo from parading themselves and/or performing the functions of the Registrar and Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University pending the determination of their suit before the court.
They also want the court to declare that the unilateral selection, appointment, and composition of the Selection Board for the appointment of the Registrar of the University on October 21, 2024 and the Vice Chancellor on October 29, is illegal, null and void, ultra vires, and of no effect.
The Claimants avowed that the selection processes of their appointments violate sections 2, 2AA, 3 (2) and 10 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended 2007 and 2012) and section 7 of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992.
The Claimants also noted the external members of the Governing Council cannot validly set the criteria of the qualification for the post of the Vice Chancellor of the University and Registrar and proceed to publish advertisement for the vacancy of the post without the full composition of the Council.
The suit, which was filed by Onyeka B. Ehiwuogwu Esq., has Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji (Chairperson, ASUU NAU), Prof. Stanley C. Udedi and Prof. Greg Orji Obiamalu as the 1st to 4th Claimants.
However, in an Internal Memorandum to the University Community from the office of the Registrar with Ref. No. NAU/REG/95/Vol. VII/44, dated November 11, 2024, the Governing Council directed all staff members who have filed lawsuits against the University to withdraw their suits within seven days or such will be treated as defiance against the Council’s authority.
The memo with the subject: ‘Directive to Withdraw Legal Actions Against the University,’ obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday evening, was signed by the Registrar, Mrs R. I. Nwokike.
“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 University.
“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,” it reads.
“Your prompt adherence to this directive is expected and appreciated,” the memo added.
The memo was copied to the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, Provost CHS/CPGS, Dean of Students Affairs, Deans of Faculties, Directors, All Heads of Departments and File.