‘Education Minister Acted Without Fair Hearing’ – Ex UNIZIK Gov Council Chairman, Greg Mbadiwe 

 

The Governing Council at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University led by Prof. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe has called on President Bola Tinubu to probe the recent sack of Council by the Ministry of Education and to ascertain the authority of the signatory of the dissolution letter.

 

Mbadiwe who spoke on behalf of other members of the Council made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen in Owerri over the recent dissolution of the Council said the council did nothing wrong in the appointment of both the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of the the institution.

 

The sacking of the Mbadiwe led Governing Council and officials of the University, The Guardian gathered followed reports that the Council appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor for the university without following due process.

 

But Mbadiwe countered that the selection of the vice Chancellor and Registrar were legally done and all due process followed to the letter.

 

He urged the President to review the situation with a view of saving his career and reputation and that of other members of the council from unwarranted destruction.

 

He said, “My silence on the ongoing matters at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where I serve as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, should not be misconstrued as weakness or fear. It is a deliberate decision to allow justice to take its course”.

 

“However, recent events, particularly the declaration of illegality concerning the properly constituted Committees of the Council tasked with selecting the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, which strictly adhered to the provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012 (as amended) and the abrupt dissolution of the University Council by the Ministry of Education compel me to speak out”.

 

He continued, “During the appointment process for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar, all relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Council and Senate, were fully involved and adequately represented. The Search Committee was properly constituted, with one external member of the Council serving as Chairman and four other internal members”.

 

“The Selection Committees for both the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar were also duly and lawfully constituted in line with established regulations. It is important to note that the so-called aggrieved parties have already filed multiple cases in court, which are still ongoing. The court of law remains the highest arbiter of justice, law, equity, and fairness. Resolving these matters administratively, without regard for judicial processes or court orders, is not only unjust but also a grave miscarriage of justice”.

 

“Does this suggest that the authority of the court, as the ultimate institution for adjudicating justice, no longer holds sway in our beloved country, Nigeria? I respectfully disagree and take exception to such a notion”.

 

“Over the years, I have undertaken various other assignments for my country, far too numerous to list here. I hold my integrity in high regard and remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and fairness in all my endeavours”.

 

“Finally with utmost respect and highest regard, I appeal to Mr President to save me and my reputation and meritorious services spanning nearly 3 decades from wonton destruction. I have served my country diligently and with all the strength it pleased the good Lord to avail to me.”

 

“It’s therefore violation of ones rights that the ministry of Education acted without inviting the council to ask any questions or seek inputs in any aspect of the subject matter in question in a matter as critical as this”. he added.

 

Recall that few days ago that, President Bola Tinubu approved the dissolution of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.

 

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the president on Information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga said, Tinubu also approved the removal of Bernard Odoh, the new vice chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar”.

 

Other four members of the dissolved council, are: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.