There are strong indications that the Vice-chancellorship seat of the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka might have been sold to the highest bidder among a retinue of Professors who applied for the position.
The position has been shrouded in controversy since the expiration of the tenure of Professor Esimone.
Recall that the reconstituted Governing Council of the institution had placed a new advertisement for the position after the previous advertisement became scandalous following allegations that it was strewn in favour of a particular candidate.
Diaspora Digital Media understand that the current Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga who had carried on like a sole administrator had been accused severally of collecting huge sums of money from different aspirants, assuring each of them that he would singlehandedly appoint then as substantive Vice-chancellor.
The final interview for the position was originally scheduled for Tuesday 11th of November at the Council Chambers within the university’s campus but our sources alleged that the Pro-Chancellor stopped the process suddenly, and told aspirants that the interview would hold in Abuja on a date and venue to be communicated to them.
However, investigations reveal that the University’s Pro-Chancellor had allegedly placed the position on the table for the highest bidder to take it.
It is alleged that one of the aspirants, known for his access to easy funds paid for the position immediately, hence, the Governing Council’s plans to go ahead with a kangaroo interview in Abuja, tomorrow by 9:am, when most of the aspirants are yet to arrive Abuja.
Already, there is palpable tension within the university community over the fast spreading rumour of plans to impose a money bag as the Vice-chancellor of a prestigious institution like NAU.
Unconfirmed reports allege that as part of the deals entered into by the Pro-Chancellor and his client, whom he wants to foist on the university as Vice-chancellor, a monthly allowance of 200 million Naira shall be paid to the Pro-Chancellor and members of the Council for their upkeep, while huge amounts in contract have been agreed to be funneled to them as part of the settlement.
Already, a huge sum has been allocated to him at the Nnewi campus of the university, with a promise that his company shall be the sole contractor in the University’s medical college.