The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has firmly debunked recent reports suggesting that an Acting Vice-Chancellor has been elected by any organ of the university.

In a statement released on Thursday in Awka, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, described the reports as false and misleading, asserting that there is no legal basis for such an election.

“There is no enabling law or statute that permits any of the university’s organs to elect either an acting or substantive Vice-Chancellor,” Kukoyi stated.

He urged the public and the university community to disregard what he termed “an unfounded piece of news” and “infantile desperation” by certain individuals within the institution attempting to usurp the powers of the Governing Council and the Visitor to the University.

“Without mincing words, Section 1 (13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions, Amendment) Act 2003 clearly mandates the Governing Council to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor whenever there is a vacancy in that office,” the statement emphasized.

Kukoyi clarified that, in light of the upcoming expiration of the six-month tenure of the current Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, the Council has initiated the appropriate process for appointing a successor. As stipulated by law, the University Senate has been asked to nominate five qualified professors, from whom the Council will appoint a new Acting Vice-Chancellor.

He concluded by assuring stakeholders that the process is ongoing and will be concluded soon in accordance with established regulations.