Ikechebelu emerges new UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor 

The battle over who becomes the next Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka has been put to rest following the appointment of Prof Joseph Ikechebelu as the Vice Chancellor of the Institution.

Recall that the five-year tenure of Prof Charles Okechekwu Esimone expired on June 4th 2024 and before this recent development, Ikechebelu was the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University while the second Deputy Vice Chancellor had retired.

Confirming the appointment of Ikechebelu the Federal government had through the National Universities Commission NUC directed all the outgoing Vice Chancellor of federal universities to hand over to the next most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities.

In a statement signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, NUC, Chris J. Maiyaki, the Out-going Vice-Chancellors are also requested to ensure that a detailed handover
documenting key activities, ongoing projects, university assets, financial statements, and any other pertinent information forms part of the handover process.

The appointment of Ikechebelu as Acting Vice Chancellor is pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor of the University though Ikechebelu is also qualified to contest for the position while acting as Vice Chancellor.

This directive from the federal government has brought to rest the acrimonious race to who succeeds the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Charles Esimone.

Recall that the race to succeed Esimone has been acrimonious as interested candidates engaged in different methods to outsmart their opponents, including writing frivolous petitions and sharing fake news against their opponents.

According to the statement; “I write to convey the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, to the effect that Vice-Chancellors of Federal universities, who are rounding up their tenures, should hand over their responsibilities to the next most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university, in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities, which stipulates that Vice-Chancellors are not to remain in Office beyond their designated terminal dates”

“This measure is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the leadership of the universities, thereby maintaining the requisite stability and continuity for the effective administration and academic performance of the various institutions”

“Out-going Vice-Chancellors are, further, requested to ensure that a detailed handover report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, university assets, financial statements, and any other pertinent information forms part of the handover process. Please note that the Federal Ministry
of Education and your respective University Senates must be duly notified of your handover before the terminal dates”

“The Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the contributions of all outgoing Vice-Chancellors and anticipates your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition process. This directive is effective immediately and compliance is mandatory”

Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes, always,” it stated.