By Ovat Abeng
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, on Monday held a world press conference, as the new acting Vice Chancellor of University, Prof Carol Umobi has assumed office.
Prof Umobi took over in a peaceful transition as he was handed over by the former acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, who was last weekend removed by the council of the university, led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.
The council had sat on Saturday last week and even though there was stalemate during the meeting, Mbadiwe had shortly before leaving the university, handed Umobi his appointment letter, to pilot the affairs of the University for six months.
The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media/Publicity, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu who briefed journalists shortly after the handover ceremony held at University auditorium, on Monday, said Umobi will act for a non renewable term of six months, and will not be a part of the contest for a substantive vice chancellor.
Ojukwu while speaking said: “I have been directed to brief you on happenings in the university. As you all know the acting VC has taken office this morning. She is in the office now meeting with students of the university.
“You also know that Prof Joseph Ikechebelu who was removed last Saturday was only directed to assume on temporary capacity, pending when the council will appoint Acting VC and the council has done so.
“Council has directed that Ikechebelu who was deputy VC administration should oversee the university pending the appointment of an acting VC.
“I must say that someone who is directed to oversee the university does not equate with the acting Vice chancellor.
“There are misrepresentation that there are two acting Vice Chancellors in the university, but no one was appointed until now, and the recently constituted council of the university has just been appointed and also taken over.
“The chairman of the council has just fulfilled its first assignment by picking an acting Vice Chancellor.
“The council said anyone who will contest to be substantive will not be acting so that everyone will get equal playing ground.
“ASUU advices that it will not be good for Ikechebelu to act, when he has interest in being a substantive. If Ikechebelu wishes to contest, he should know that the advert will be out soon and he can apply,” Ojukwu said.
It was gathered that Prof Ikechebelu has reverted to his previous position as Deputy Vice Chancellor administration of the Institution.