Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik) in Awka, Anambra State, has issued a directive instructing its staff members to withdraw any legal actions filed against the institution.
The order, issued from the office of the Registrar, Barrister (Mrs.) R.I Nwokike, was communicated through an internal memo dated November 11, 2024, with reference number NAU/NEG/95/Vol. VII/44, addressed to all affected staff.
According to the memo, the directive comes from the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council of UniZik.
“All staff members who have filed lawsuits against the institution are required to withdraw these cases within seven days of this notice,” the memo stated.
“Failure to comply will be seen as defiance of the Council’s authority and will be treated accordingly.”
Although the memo did not specify the cases in question, sources speculate that the directive may be connected to disputes surrounding the recent selection process for a substantive Vice Chancellor.
Controversy arose following the selection, leading a group within the 10th Governing Council, identified as “concerned internal members,” to petition the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman over alleged procedural lapses.
The petition, dated November 1, 2024, was signed by Rv. Fr. Prof. Ikenga Oraegbunam, Prof. Tracie Utoh-Ezeajugh, Prof. Igwebuike V. Onyiaorah, and Engr. Samuel Ikechukwu Onwuemene.
They expressed concerns over being “sidelined” in the selection of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, stating, “We were clearly excluded from the process leading to the appointment of the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor and new Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.”
The petitioners alleged that the procedure violated provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act and the University Miscellaneous Provisions Act, which they argue mandate a transparent process involving the entire Governing Council in selecting these key university officials.
The current directive from the Governing Council has drawn mixed reactions within the university, as staff members now face pressure to comply or risk disciplinary action.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions within the institution, with many calling for transparency and due process in university governance.
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