… Receives Handover Note from Ikechebelu
By Jude Michael
Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi, has assumed duty as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Umobi took over in a smooth transition as she was handed over by Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, who was overseeing the affairs of the University before now. He was last weekend removed by the Council of the University, led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.
The Council had sat on Saturday, July 20, and even though there was a stalemate during the meeting, Mbadiwe had shortly before leaving the University, handed Umobi her appointment letter to act for six months.
Addressing newsmen in Awka immediately after the handover, the Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media, Dr Emma Ojukwu, said Umobi would act for a non-renewable term of six months, and would not be a part of the contest for a substantive Vice Chancellor.
Ojukwu, while briefing journalists, 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 Joe Ikechebelu who was removed last Saturday was only directed to assume on temporary capacity, pending when the council would appoint an Acting VC and the council has done so.
‘Council has directed that Ikechebelu who was Deputy VC, Admin, 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 misrepresentations 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 her 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 advises 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.
