UniZik VC election sparks tension mid accusations of bias, legal battles

Tensions are running high at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik) in Awka, Anambra State, as the selection process for the new Vice Chancellor faces allegations of bias and discrimination.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called for legal intervention, accusing the University’s Governing Council of creating discriminatory requirements that effectively exclude its members from contention.

MDCAN’s grievances stem from revised qualification criteria, which now mandate a doctorate degree, disqualifying experienced candidates from their association who lack this qualification but have substantial administrative experience. According to Dr. Victor Modekwe, Chairman of MDCAN’s NAUTH Nnewi Chapter, previous qualifications included equivalent experience, but the new criteria appear to favor a specific candidate whose qualifications are under scrutiny.

The University’s Senate recently requested that the Governing Council retract an advertisement deemed contentious, a plea the Council reportedly ignored. Additionally, MDCAN has approached the National Industrial Court to halt the election process until these issues are resolved.

With interviews expected this week, the university community is urging President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education to step in and address these allegations to avert a potential industrial crisis that could disrupt the institution.