Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, is currently embroiled in a crisis surrounding the election of a new Vice Chancellor. The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has accused the university’s Governing Council of bias against its members and has sought legal intervention from the National Industrial Court.
The controversy centers around the eligibility requirements for the Vice Chancellor role, which MDCAN claims discriminates against its members who have administrative experience in the university but lack a doctorate degree. Previously, advertisements for the role allowed for either a doctorate or equivalent qualifications and relevant university administrative experience.
The university’s Senate has requested that the Council retract a contentious advertisement related to the election process, but this request was allegedly dismissed by the Council ¹. MDCAN’s primary grievance lies with the revised qualification criteria, which exclude candidates without a doctorate degree.
Stakeholders have expressed concerns about potential unrest if the alleged biases are not addressed. Calls for intervention have gone out to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education, urging them to prevent an impending industrial crisis that could impact university operations.
The situation is further complicated by accusations that the Council is positioning a candidate with qualifications that remain under scrutiny. The Council is also accused of obtaining a consent judgment from the National Industrial Court in Awka on October 19, potentially clearing the way for the controversial election to proceed.
Key Issues:
- Bias Allegations: MDCAN accuses the Governing Council of bias against its members.
- Eligibility Requirements: Revised qualification criteria exclude candidates without a doctorate degree.
- Call for Intervention: Stakeholders urge President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education to intervene.
- Potential Unrest: Concerns about potential unrest if alleged biases are not addressed.
The university community remains tense as the situation unfolds, with many awaiting President Tinubu’s response to the senate’s call for intervention.
