UNIZIK VC Appointment : Nwakoby Laments Foul Play

Following the controversy that ensued with the selection of Greg Nwakoby as the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University which consequently led to the annulment of his appointment and the appointment of Prof Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku, Deputy VC (Academics), there has been accusations and counter-accusations.

A petition before the Senate by Prof. Greg Nwakoby of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) has revealed how his refusal to bribe the screening panel N60 million cost him the chance to become the Vice Chancellor of the university despite being the most qualified.

Excerpt of the petition reads, “On May 24 2014, I was invited by Senator Fidelis Okoro and Alhaji Bala Buhari at Finotel Hotel, Awka, because I also lodged in the same hotel. On entering the hotel room of Senator Fidelis Okoro, they made a demand N30 million respectively (i.e. N30 million for each of them totaling N60 million) from me as a condition for returning me as the Vice Chancellor. Senator Fidelis Okoro claimed that he would use part of his own share to settle Barrister J.M. Aseh, whereas Alhaji Bala Buhari would settle the chairman of the Governing Council.”

“I refused their demand and insisted that as I came first in the interview and screening I could not do such a thing. They told me that Prof. Joseph Ahaneku had made the offer to them but that as I was the best that it was easier to support me. I still refused their offer."

"On May 26 2014, the council chairman reconvened the meeting of the Council which started by about 1 pm. Before the meeting, Senator Fidelis Okoro told me that Senator Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) had directed that Prof. Joseph Ahaneku should be appointed the Vice Chancellor and that Anyim had also appointed one Senator Ben Collin Ndu to replace Chief John Nwodo so as to ensure his bid succeed.”

The management however,has faulted the selection process that saw the emergence of Prof. Greg Nwakoby as he was said to be unqualified for the position.

Meanwhile, the Unizik Director of Information Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu has denied the radio announcement that mentioned Prof. Greg Nwakoby as the new VC.

He stated that Prof Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku,is the new VC of the institution and that his appointment will take effect from 3 June, 2014.