Some staff members of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), a state-owned institution in Anambra, have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to formally announce the appointment of a substantive vice chancellor, marking the conclusion of the university’s selection process.
In a press statement issued Wednesday in Awka, the staff commended Governor Soludo for upholding due process and praised the University Governing Council for conducting a thorough and transparent selection exercise.
The statement, signed by Professors Peter Okonkwo, Stephen Unachukwu, and Mbanefo Odum on behalf of other staff, noted that the selection and search committees had completed their assignments and submitted their recommendations to the governor.
They urged the governor to act swiftly on the committee’s report, pointing out that this is the first time in the university’s 25-year history that the selection process for vice chancellor has been so transparent and credible.
According to sources, the final recommendation of the joint selection committee was submitted to Governor Soludo on Friday, August 1.
The professors emphasized that the process was guided by a legal and procedural framework, under which the governor, as visitor to the university, directed the Governing Council—led by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu—to ensure full compliance with due process.
“Credit must be given to the visitor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who, with his deep understanding of the university system, refrained from influencing the outcome,” the statement read.
“The seven-member Joint Council/Senate Selection and Appointment Committee also deserves commendation for conducting a seamless and unanimously accepted process.”
The committee, having concluded its task and submitted its report, recommended that, in line with Ordinance 11 (4d), the governor should appoint the top-ranked candidate.
The statement further noted that the position of vice chancellor was publicly advertised on January 2, and the requirements were clearly outlined for both internal and external applicants, as stipulated in the COOU Law of 2014.
The staff emphasized that the Governing Council fully complied with legal provisions, which require the joint committee to recommend three candidates in order of merit. The Council is then expected to review and endorse this order, forwarding the names—with justification—to the Visitor for final appointment.
“We now expect the governor to fulfil the promise he made during the last convocation—to appoint the new vice chancellor as soon as the selection report is submitted,” the statement concluded.
