By Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha



In April 2024, I came out with a write-up on happenings as it relates to the Vice-Chancellorship position of the foremost citadel of learning in Nigeria, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN. The detail of the write-up can be goggled on the Internet.


I did a breakdown of those who have occupied the Vice Chancellorship position of the institution since its inception in 1960 (65 years ago), and their states of origin, including foreigners, and indeed, other Principal positions in the University.


It should be noted that the University of Nigeria Nsukka, as a premier University in the Southeastern Nigeria, was primarily established to take care of the academic needs and programmes of the people of Nigeria and foreigners, such that it competed favourably with other globally known universities, in terms of the quality of graduates produced and its staffing. Indeed, the UNN remained a National University with an international outlook, until recently.


Nevertheless, what appeared like a reversal of fortunes for the University started showing its face about thirty (30) ago, when the Enugu State Government, under the administration of Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, started the domestication of the University, with a clannish campaign to ensure the position of Vice Chancellorship was permanently domiciled in Enugu State, enroute Nsukka, after being shared by each of the local governments. Although temporarily, the agitation failed at that time, the present leadership in Enugu State has not only reawakened the dead  Okwesilieze Nwodo clannish initiative, but has pushed it further with reported clandestine redesign to perpetually impose Nsukka indigenes as Vice Chancellors.


As I stated in my first outing on the subject matter, *"the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, which prides herself, arguably, as the only University with the most intimidating facilities that are highly rated, has suitable scholars, at any point in time, to occupy the position of Vice Chancellorship, whenever the tenure of the incumbent nears to an end",* it therefore means that with the obvious plot to foist indigenous Professors on UNN as Vice Chancellors, the domestication of the leadership of the University would have been completed.


Meanwhile, the adverse effect of the domestication and  localization of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, which was initiated by Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, is the gradual dwindling in academic performances of the University, both at global and national rating. If truth should be told here, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, from being the No. 1 University in the country, has so dwindled that it is no longer in the league of, at least, 8 Best universities in Nigeria. The reason is not far fetched : The Domestication and Localization of the University by indigenous interests led by the State Government is the knee on its neck, which has made it impossible for the institution to properly have fresh academic breath. Why must almost every position of leadership in the University be occupied by persons who are from Enugu State? In the 15-member Council governing the University, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and indeed, four other persons, are all from Enugu state. The rest are persons from Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra and Ekiti states. Yet, Imo State, a major stakeholder in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, has no elected, appointed or nominated member. If this is not marginalization, what then is it? Clearly, this situation has put a feeling of calculated conspiracy, marginalization and indeed, isolation on the very good people of Imo State.


To remedy the situation, there is the need to correct this imbalance by ensuring that an Imo State indigene who is among the creme of Imo Erudite Professors in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and most eminently qualified, vis-a-vis, years of service, experience, local and international exposure, administrative capacity, leadership qualities and most importantly, scandal-free, is appointed the substantive Vice Chancellor.


Since inception, both Imo and Ebonyi States have been marginalized in the Vice Chancellorship position of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. It should further be noted that since Ebonyi State is currently represented in the 15-member Council governing the University with the position of the Deputy Vice Chancellor and an Elected Member in the governing Council, Imo State should be allowed to produce the substantive Vice Chancellor.


The Federal Government is therefore called upon to, in totality, resist the attempt to further ridicule this foremost premier University by indigenous interests in Enugu State. It should further be pointed out that a situation where the Acting Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Bursar, Registrar, University Librarian, etc, all come from Enugu State negates the Federal Character Policy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


To this end therefore, the Visitor of the University, who happens to be His Excellency Mr President, is respectfully implored to use the influence of his good office to resist the unpatriotic attempt by indigenous interests in Enugu State to impose a substantive Vice Chancellor on a National University based on clandestine sentiments.


The University of Nigeria Nsukka, as a National University, recognized globally, should be allowed to enjoy robust engagement in the selection of its leadership, to drive the desired educational realignment of the federal government.



I Rest My Pen.

 Iwuoha is a Sociopolitical  Crusader And Human Rights Activist