Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, will assume the duty of Vice-Chancellor following the expiration of Prof Charles Esimone’s tenure in the institution.
The Federal Government had through the National Universities Commission, NUC, directed all the outgoing Vice-Chancellors 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 report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, university assets, financial statements, and any other pertinent information, forms part of the handover process.
Going by the directive of the Federal Government, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu who is the only Deputy Vice Chancellor in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, will certainly take up the leadership of the institution pending the appointment of a substantive vice Chancellor.
This directive from the Federal Government puts to rest the acrimonious race to who succeeds the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, whose five years tenure expires on June 4, 2024, will hand over to Prof Ikechebelu as the most senior person in the University.
The statement reads: “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, there by maintaining the requisite stability and continuity for the effective administration and academic performance of the various institution.
“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.”
