UNN Denies Vice-Chancellor Appointment Rumours, Accuses Mischief-Makers Of Spreading Falsehood

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has vehemently denied widespread online rumours that a substantive Vice-Chancellor has been appointed, labelling the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement released today, the University, through its Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, clarified that the selection process is still underway and no candidate has been chosen.

“The attention of the Management of the University of Nigeria has been drawn to a misleading report currently circulating on social media, claiming that a particular individual has been appointed as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University,” the statement read.

“We wish to state categorically that no such appointment has been made. The selection process for a substantive Vice-Chancellor is still ongoing, and no candidate has been announced or confirmed.”

The University urged the public to disregard the rumours, accusing “mischief-makers and purveyors of falsehood” of attempting to mislead and incite unsuspecting members of the public with baseless speculations.

The statement emphasised the University’s commitment to a transparent and merit-based selection process, adding that the Selection Committee, chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kayode Ojo, is diligently carrying out its mandate and will announce the most qualified candidate upon conclusion of the process.

While the statement did not name the individual rumoured to have been appointed, speculation has been rife that the former Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Ortuanya, is the candidate in question.

Sources claim that Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubisi Mbah, has been lobbying for Ortuanya’s appointment, allegedly driven by a desire to see an Nsukka indigene appointed as UNN Vice-Chancellor for the first time in the institution’s history.

“Though some Nsukka indigenes do not like the choice of Ortuanya as the VC, Mbah is believed to have chosen him,” a source disclosed.

“Nsukka people have been clamouring that they want their own son or daughter to occupy the position of UNN VC and have been lobbying since, but now it seems Gov. Mbah wants to ensure that an Nsukka man eventually emerges since the former governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi could not influence the choice of his kinsman for the office.”

The push for an Nsukka indigene to hold the position is not new. Recall that before the appointment of the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, similar efforts were made to ensure that a local candidate emerged.

The University is appealing to all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the selection process to run its full course without undue distraction.

The coming weeks will be crucial as the Selection Committee nears the completion of its work and prepares to announce its chosen candidate.