With the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, Prof Charles Igwe set to end in June this year, the people of Nsukka Cultural zone have intensified calls for the federal government to consider one of their sons for the position.
They are hinging their demand on the fact that 64 years after the institution was established, nobody from the area has headed the university.
A former governor of old Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo was a guest at Arise Television’s Morning Show programme on Wednesday, where he vigorously canvassed the argument.
Nwodo, a one-time national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said it was an issue of morality.
“I believe that any group of people, anywhere under the sun, who feel that they qualify for something have a right to ask for it.
“Whether they get it or not, they have made their point.”
On the process of electing the next VC, Nwodo said, “you and I know that that campaign is at best, it is a moral issue by people who feel it is in our direction, but that is not the procedure for getting a vice chancellor.
“All that people are trying to do is trying to call attention to a wish of a people after 64 years; they are not going to change the procedures by which the appointment is made.”
Similarly, Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has also joined in the struggle.
In a statement made available to OsunDailyNG, signed by Prince Chibeze Onah, Convener and Agu Chineme, Head of Admin, the group said an Nsukka indigene should in all fairness be considered for the position.
“We note with concern that since its inception, none of the 15 vice-chancellors have hailed from Nsukka Cultural Zone. This is a glaring omission, considering the zone’s significant contributions to the university’s growth and development.
“It is unacceptable that despite having over 500 professors, both home and abroad, holding leadership positions, Nsukka Cultural Zone has been overlooked for the vice-chancellor position.
“In line with our objectives, we urge every living soul in the Nsukka Cultural Zone to stand up for our own.
“It is time for an Nsukka Cultural Zone professor to become the next vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. We believe this is a matter of justice, equity, and fairness. Enough is enough!”
