Candidate alleges foul play in UNICAL VC appointment procedure

Joseph Duke, one of the contenders for the position of vice-chancellor at the University of Calabar, has raised objections to the ongoing selection procedure for the role.

Mr Duke specifically criticized the advertisement dated May 27, which included a requirement of 10 years of post-professorial experience, arguing that it breaches both constitutional and statutory guidelines.

The candidate, through his legal representative, Ubong Akpan of Ubong Akpan Chambers, issued a letter on June 17 to the university’s pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, demanding that the advertisement be retracted.

He argued that these alleged violations compromise the credibility of governance in Nigeria’s higher education system and could set harmful precedents for other federal universities if not addressed.

The letter, referenced as Unical/VC/2025/001, was also sent to the institution’s vice-chancellor and registrar, along with the Minister of Education and the Attorney General of the Federation.

Mr Duke pointed out that this requirement deviates from the university’s traditional standard, which had typically ranged between five and nine years of professorial experience.

“It is also against the national norms of five to eight years among first-generation universities in the country,” said Mr Duke. “The 10-year criterion, adopted without a senate and council approved statute under Section 10 of the Act or a proper resolution under First Schedule, paragraph 4(2)(a)(i), exceeds the council’s authority, as evidenced by member dissent.”

He accused the university of depending on vague federal instructions that violate its institutional independence, as established in Section 2a of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.

He alleged that the administration’s approach to the vice chancellorship selection process, as reflected in the advertisement, was tailored to favour certain individuals who support a preferred candidate.

He stated that the council’s resolution made during a March meeting was flawed due to disagreements among members, the absence of proper consultation with the senate, and a failure to meet quorum requirements.

“Others are allegations of zoning biases favouring specific candidates and reliance on matters and directives not authorised by statute.

“Written objections were raised post-March, contributing to a temporary suspension of the advertisement in April, but the published version retains the defective criteria, necessitating this notice. These written objections even included those signed by governing council members themselves,” he explained.

He requested that the requirement of 10 years post-professorial experience be reduced to between six and eight years. He further asked for a new council meeting to be held with the necessary quorum, proper consultation with the university’s senate, and a documented agreement in compliance with the third schedule, Article 1(6), section 7(1), and section 36(1), respectively.

“I call on the university’s management to ensure that criteria are applied equitably, avoiding discrimination under Section 19, Section 42(1), and Section 14(3).

“The new advertisement should be published in a reputable newspaper, complying with the first schedule, paragraph 4 of the 1999 constitution, and NUC guidelines,” he said.

Mr Duke urged the university to follow all established regulations for the vice-chancellor selection process, warning that failure to do so would compel him to pursue legal action against the school’s administration in the Federal High Court.