From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Prof Chike Osegbue has described the recent selection of the acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) as a test of Law, integrity and institutional honour.
Prof Osegbue who came first in the interview conducted for applicants to all intending Vice Chancellors expressed worry that the Visitor, Gov Charles Soludo had beyond all expectations and the relevant statute considered the person who came fifth for the job. Her name wasn’t even in the top three recommended by the University’s Council and validly constituted Selection Committee
The five top contenders ranked by merit according to him are; Prof Chike Osegbue 83%, Prof Leonard Onuba 81%, Prof Chukwudi Onyeaghana Okani 78%, Prof Nnama Umenweke 75% and Prof Kate Omenugha 73%.
He noted that under normal circumstances, the first three candidates should be recommended to the Visitor who has the prerogative to choose anyone of them as the new Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
Prof Osegbue said that it is rather shocking that the fifth ranked candidate, Prof Kate Omenugha who shouldn’t be one of the recommended persons for the position was eventually announced winner, and appointed.
“Come to COOU, there is mournful faces almost everywhere because of the travesty of judgment perpetrated with the recent appointment of the person who was not on the list of best three. I came first on the list, if I am not considered by the Visitor for the position of Vice Chancellor, it should be one of the other two Professors and never Prof Omenugha at all.
“I’m not desperate to become the VC but in the best interest of good conscience, fairness and justice and the students who are undergoing their scholarly formation under our watch, the right lawful thing must not only be done, it must also be seen, done,” he insisted.
It behoves insensitivity, fragrant display of power devoid merit, fairness and justice for anyone to consider Omenugha who came fifth.
What then was the aim of setting up a selection committee made up of distinguished men women, only to discard their recommendation after they had toiled day and night.
“One may therefore wish to ask the Anambra State Government, characterized in this circumstance by Prof Charles Soludo, is this mess the new normal or standard with which you now run the affairs of our dear Anambra State? It’s most unfortunate,” he stressed.