…berate outgoing VC’s ‘obnoxious criterion’
A group of senior academics at the University of Uyo have raised alarm over what they describe as a desperate and calculated attempt by the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, to influence the appointment of his successor through manipulative criteria designed to disqualify qualified candidates.
In a strongly worded letter dated 31st May 2025, addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Professors Emmanuel Peter Udofia, Emmanuel Onwiduokit, Joseph Peter Essien, and Aniekan Brown accused the current administration of breaching due process by embedding selective and unprecedented criteria in the recent advertisement for the position of Vice Chancellor.
They wrote:
“A careful examination of the qualifications reveals that parts of items (b) and (c) above appear to have been included to disqualify certain candidates even before the commencement of the actual appointment process. Such criteria have never been used in the appointment of Vice Chancellors in Federal Universities in Nigeria.”
The professors argued that the controversial clauses violate the University of Uyo Regulations Governing Staff Conditions of Service 2022, particularly Chapter Three, 3-5(d)(v) and 3.6.6, which encourage community service as a factor in academic promotion. The letter decried the irony of weaponizing community engagement against candidates.
“One wonders why such services would now become counterproductive for one to qualify to the post of Vice Chancellor. What a contradiction. In addition, service to the community, state or nation is a veritable factor in the much-needed exposure to administration, which enhances the town-gown cordiality.”
The letter further cautioned against the emergence of what the professors described as a “petty and obnoxious” criterion that could “throw up an unworthy person as Vice Chancellor.” They challenged the notion that the number of publications—especially within a narrow time window—should outweigh administrative capability and ethical leadership.
“It becomes necessary to consider parts of the criterion in item (c) of the Internal and External Advertisement for the Appointment of Vice Chancellor as petty, obnoxious and aimed at throwing up an unworthy person as Vice Chancellor.”
Citing precedence from other federal institutions such as the Universities of Nigeria, Lagos, and Ibadan, the signatories called for a reversal of the “vexatious and obnoxious” requirements in the advertisement.
“We humbly appeal that you use your position as the Chairman of the Governing Council to stop and end any and every form of intrusion of vested interests in the appointment of the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo,” the letter concluded.
The controversy adds to mounting tensions on campus as the tenure of Prof. Ndaeyo draws to a close. Stakeholders have urged the Council to uphold transparency, neutrality, and the spirit of federal character in the selection process.
