The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has issued an ultimatum to some aggrieved staff members who sued the university to withdraw all court cases arising from the appointment of new vice chancellor and
registrar.
The Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council gave all staff that instituted legal actions against the council over the two new appointments a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the cases or face disciplinary action.
Following the appointment of Vice Chancellor and Registrar, some staff went to court to challenge the selection exercise, citing non-compliance with due process by the council.
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education nullified the two appointments based on the exclusion of internal council members and the minister of education representative in the council.
In a circular to the university community dated November 11, 2024 and signed by the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, warned the affected staff to comply with the directive or face disciplinary action.
Among principal officers copied the contentious circular included the embattled Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, Deputy VC (Admin), Deputy VC (Academics), Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, Provost, Dean of Students Affairs, Deans of Faculties, Directors, Heads of Departments and the file of the concerned staff.
The circular reads: “The Pro-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, issues this directive to all staff members who have filed lawsuits against the university. You are required to withdraw these cases within seven days of this notice.
“Failure to comply with this directive will be considered an act of defiance against the council’s authority and will be treated accordingly.
It further added: “Your prompt adherence to this directive is expected and appreciated.”
In a related development, some UNIZIK staff members, fearing for their lives, have gone underground.
Some of them who shared their fears with our Correspondent, revealed that they have relocated out of the campus.
According to one of the staff members, some colleagues asked him to drop his opposition to the appointment of a new vice chancellor and registrar.
“Some of my colleagues asked me to be careful and advised that I relocate to another place outside the campus. As I speak with you, I have left my official quarters for fear for my life,” he stated.
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