Joseph Duke, a candidate for the vice-chancellorship of the University of Calabar, has faulted the ongoing selection process for the position.
Mr Duke particularly faulted the May 27 advertisement, which listed 10 years of post-professorial experience as one of its requirements, saying that it constitutes both constitutional and statutory violations.
The candidate, through his lawyer, Ubong Akpan of Ubong Akpan Chambers, in a letter dated June 17 and addressed to the institution’s pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, therefore demanded the withdrawal of the advertisement.
He noted that the violations undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education governance and may set dangerous precedents for other federal universities if left unchecked.
The letter with reference Unical/VC/2025/001 was also copied to the institution’s vice-chancellor and registrar, as well as the education minister and the attorney general of the federation.
Mr Duke noted that the requirement was against the institution’s historical benchmark of five to 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 institution of relying on unspecified federal directives that infringe on the university’s autonomy, as outlined in Section 2a of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.
He said that the university management’s plan, as advertised for the Vice Chancellorship position, was intended to favour some individuals in favour of their preferred candidate.
According to him, the council’s decision, adopted at a meeting in March, was marred by dissent among members, lack of consultation with the senate, and noncompliance with 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 demanded the reversal of the 10-year post-professorial experience requirement to between six and eight years. He also called for the reconvening of the council with a quorum, consultation with the institution’s senate, and documented consensus to comply 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).
“New advertisement should be published in a reputable newspaper, complying with first schedule, paragraph 4 of the 1999 constitution, and NUC guidelines,” he said.
Mr Duke advised the institution to comply with all existing rules for the process of selecting the next vice-chancellor of the university, or he would be forced to institute legal action against the school authorities in the Federal High Court.
(NAN)
