ASUU-NAU Berates Governing Council For Alleged Dictatorial Tendencies
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Branch has protested alleged non compliance to rules in the selection of Vice Chancellor and constitution of committees in the institution by the governing council.
ASUU, which addressed newsmen in Awka on Tuesday said there were plots to install a predetermined candidate as the Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, Chairman of ASUU-NAU who spoke on behalf of the University Lecturers said the alleged dictatorial tendencies of the governing leadership should be checked to forestall breach of industrial peace in the University.
Ubaoji called on the Chief of Staff to the President and Minister of Education to call the council to order as a matter of urgency.
He said since inauguration of the council, the Chairman had consistently acted unilaterally and made decisions without proper consultation and approval.
He said ASUU as the major stakeholder in the university system would not stand and watch the university Senate be rubbished by some individuals.
“We bring to your attention, very worrying developments threatening to engulf our University.
“There is a deliberate attempt to undermine institutional processes as so far demonstrated by the actions of the Pro Chancellor.
“From all indications, certain external political forces are determined to subvert due process in the appointment of principal officers in our University,” he said
The ASUU Chairman said in spite the resistance by members of the university Community the Pro-Chancellor went ahead to publish the vacancy for the position of Vice Chancellor without proper constitution of council.
According to him, the unilateral actions and authoritative tendencies of the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council if left unchecked will erode trust, cause instability and damage the reputation of this institution.
“It was great shock to us that the Chairman has on his own selected or directed the selection of two professors to serve on the interview panel for Registrar
“We call on the Chief of Staff to the President and Minister of Education to rein in the Pro Chancellor before it is too late,” he said.
