A contender for the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Calabar (Unical), Professor Joseph Duke, has raised alarm over what he describes as constitutional and statutory violations in the selection process, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the advertisement for the position.
Speaking through his legal representative, Mr. Ubong Akpan of Ubong Akpan Chambers, Prof. Duke submitted a formal petition dated June 17 to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council.
The letter, referenced Unical/VC/2025/001, was also copied to the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and the Ministers of Education and Justice, including the Attorney General of the Federation.
Duke’s primary contention lies with a criterion in the vacancy announcement published on May 27, which stipulates a mandatory 10 years of post-professorial experience for prospective candidates.
He argued that the requirement deviates from Unical’s traditional benchmark of five to nine years and also contradicts national norms among first-generation universities, which typically set the range between five to eight years.
“The 10-year criterion, introduced without approval from both Senate and Council in line with Section 10 of the University Act, or through proper resolution under the First Schedule, Paragraph 4(2)(a)(i), oversteps the bounds of the Council’s authority,” the letter stated.
Duke also cited documented dissent among Council members over the decision.
He further criticised the University’s management for allegedly relying on vague federal directives that undermine university autonomy, in contravention of Section 2(a) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.
According to the petition, the March 2025 Council meeting, at which the contentious criteria were adopted, was marred by procedural irregularities, including a lack of quorum, inadequate Senate consultation, and internal opposition.
There were also allegations of zoning biases and attempts to manipulate the process in favour of a preferred candidate.
Duke noted that these objections led to a temporary suspension of the advertisement in April 2025. However, the reissued notice still retained what he described as “defective criteria,” prompting his renewed call for intervention.
“These concerns were formally raised, including written objections signed by members of the Governing Council themselves,” he said.
In his demands, Duke called for the immediate withdrawal of the current advertisement; a revision of the post-professorial experience requirement to a range of six to eight years; a reconvening of the Governing Council with a proper quorum and full Senate consultation, in compliance with the Third Schedule, Article 1(6), Section 7(1), and Section 36(1) of the relevant statutes; and a fresh advertisement published in a reputable national newspaper, consistent with constitutional and NUC guidelines.
He also emphasised the need for transparency and fairness in the process, urging the University to avoid discriminatory practices as outlined under Sections 19, 42(1), and 14(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.
Duke concluded by warning that failure to meet these demands would leave him with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings at the Federal High Court.
