MDCAN applauds FG for nullifying UNIZIK VC selection process

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital has praised the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Permanent Secretary of Education Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu regarding the controversial selection process of the university’s vice-chancellor.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, MDCAN’s Chairman, Dr Victor Modekwe, noted that the federal government’s decisive action to nullify the recent appointment of Prof. Bernard Odoh as vice-chancellor reflects a commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity within educational institutions.

The association stressed that this intervention signifies a significant step toward rebuilding confidence among stakeholders in the academic community.

“The decisive action taken to nullify the VC selection underscores the government’s commitment to upholding transparency and integrity in our educational institutions,” the statement read. “This intervention is not only a testament to the administration’s responsiveness but also a significant step toward restoring confidence among stakeholders in the academic community.”

Disputes between the university’s administration and the Federal Ministry of Education arose after the appointment of Prof. Odoh. Following his selection, a memo allegedly from the ministry was issued, declaring the appointment invalid and asserting that proper procedures were not followed. The memo, signed by Permanent Secretary Ilyasu, condemned the appointment as a “gross disregard” for constituted authority and annulled the recent appointment of a new registrar at the institution.

In response, the university’s Office of the Vice-Chancellor urged the public to disregard the ministry’s letter, maintaining that all procedures were duly observed in Prof. Odoh’s appointment.

MDCAN criticised the actions of the university’s Registrar, Barr. Rosemary Nwokike, particularly her communications with the Ministry of Education. The association pointed out that Barr. Nwokike claimed there was no formal meeting between the Pro-Chancellor and the Minister of State for Education, only informal discussions with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council. She contended that these discussions did not supersede a court judgement mandating the council to appoint the vice-chancellor.

When addressing the absence of a ministry representative at the appointment meeting on October 29, 2024, she stated that all protocols had been observed. MDCAN asserted that Barr. Nwokike was acting outside the necessary Council resolution, questioning her authority as the secretary to both the Council and Senate to respond to the Permanent Secretary’s letter without formal Council approval. This raised concerns about whose authority she truly represents.

The association further criticised the Registrar for her apparent overreach, noting that she is not a personal secretary to the Pro-Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor. “By positioning herself this way, she undermines the dignity of her office and appears more as a ‘private/confidential secretary’ than a public servant,” the statement declared.

MDCAN also expressed concerns about the integrity of Barr. Nwokike’s appointment, suggesting potential nepotism due to her relationship with the Pro-Chancellor. Additionally, her use of outdated letterhead referencing an Acting Vice-Chancellor was described as a sign of incompetence and disregard for established protocols.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the government and relevant authorities to uphold the integrity and advancement of educational institutions in Nigeria.