As the term of the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof Charles Igwe, is scheduled to conclude in June this year, the residents of Nsukka Cultural zone are stepping up their campaign for the federal government to appoint a candidate from their region for the position.
They are pressing their request based on the fact that, in the 64 years since the institution was founded, no individual from their locality has led the university.
During an appearance on the Morning Show program on Arise Television, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, a former governor of old Enugu State and ex-national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), passionately advocated for this cause.
Nwodo emphasized the principle of fairness, stating that any group of individuals who believe they are qualified for a role have the right to pursue it.
Regarding the selection process for the next VC, Nwodo highlighted that while the current campaign is mainly about asserting a particular desire, it will not alter the established procedures for appointing a vice chancellor.
Moreover, the Otobo Nsukka Cultural Zone Community Developmental Initiative, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has also added its voice to the movement.
In a press release sent to NewsNow and endorsed by Prince Chibeze Onah, Convener, and Agu Chineme, Head of Admin, the organization stressed the importance of considering a candidate from Nsukka for the position.
The group expressed discontent over the fact that none of the 15 vice-chancellors appointed since the university’s inception have come from Nsukka Cultural Zone and underscored the zone’s considerable contributions to the university’s progress.
They called on all residents of Nsukka Cultural Zone to unite in support of their cause, advocating for a professor from the area to be appointed as the next vice-chancellor of UNN, citing principles of justice, equity, and fairness.