The Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) found itself embroiled in a controversy surrounding the appointment of its new Vice-Chancellor. Initially, Professor Lucian Chukwu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, emerged as the top candidate during a rigorous selection process overseen by the then Pro-Chancellor, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (retd). This process, managed by the globally recognized consulting firm KPMG, saw Chukwu score significantly higher than the other two shortlisted candidates, Professor Christopher Ogbogbo and Professor Ijeoma Ijeh. However, the university’s registrar, Isaac Mankilik, unexpectedly declared Ogbogbo the winner, citing an internal vote by the governing council. This declaration was immediately contested by Ezeoba, leading the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to publicly confirm Chukwu’s appointment as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, seemingly resolving the matter.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the Ministry of Education reversed its decision, announcing Ogbogbo as the chosen candidate. This reversal, attributed to a “thorough review” and “ministerial intervention,” cited Ogbogbo’s eligibility based on the Admiralty University of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2022. This decision ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Ezeoba resigning in protest, alleging undue influence and a disregard for merit. He accused a high-ranking Navy officer and members of the governing council of manipulating the process to favor Ogbogbo, a former dean at the University of Ibadan, despite his lower score in the selection process. Ezeoba emphasized Chukwu’s superior qualifications and experience, particularly his position as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lagos, contrasted with Ogbogbo’s experience as a dean.
Ezeoba’s resignation underscored his disapproval of the decision, characterizing it as promoting mediocrity. He maintained that the initial selection process, in which he played a central role as chairman, was transparent and competitive. He questioned Ogbogbo’s managerial skills and preparedness for the demanding role of Vice-Chancellor, citing observations from the interview process. His resignation serves as a stark commentary on the alleged disregard for due process and transparency in the appointment. Further fueling the controversy, an anonymous senior academic involved in the selection process accused the Federal Government of prioritizing tribalism over merit, suggesting Chukwu was overlooked due to his not being from Delta State, where the university is located.
This individual called for transparency from the government, demanding a clear justification for Chukwu’s removal. The academic criticized the apparent disregard for the established selection process, including the investment in a reputable firm like KPMG, if the outcome was ultimately determined by factors other than merit. They argued that if the council’s vote held such sway, the elaborate and costly selection process was rendered meaningless. The controversy raises questions about the role of political influence and regional biases in academic appointments, particularly in Nigerian universities.
Conversely, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Emmanuel Osodeke, defended the governing council’s decision and Ogbogbo’s appointment. He argued that the University Act does not mandate the selection of the highest-scoring candidate and that the council operated within its legal rights. Osodeke criticized Ezeoba’s appeal to the minister, arguing that the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor is solely the purview of the council and that the minister’s intervention was inappropriate. He emphasized the principle of university autonomy and the established legal framework for VC appointments.
Osodeke maintained that the council, having interviewed and considered the three recommended candidates, was entitled to choose any of them, even if not the top scorer. He emphasized that while merit is a factor, the council ultimately holds the decision-making power, and their choice should be respected. This stance highlights the ongoing tension between the principles of meritocracy and the legal prerogatives of university governing councils in appointing Vice-Chancellors. The controversy at ADUN underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in academic appointments, raising concerns about transparency, due process, and the influence of external factors in decision-making within Nigerian universities. As of the report’s filing, both Ogbogbo and Chukwu remained unavailable for comment, leaving the controversy unresolved and awaiting further developments.
