Nsukka community seeks vice-chancellor position at UNN after decades of exclusion

DDM News

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), established in 1960, has a rich history of academic excellence.

However, since its inception, the institution has never had a Vice-Chancellor from its host community, the Nsukka cultural zone.

This longstanding exclusion has become a focal point for local advocacy groups and leaders.

A socio-cultural organization known as Kpokotenu Nsukka has recently intensified efforts to address this historical oversight.

The group emphasizes that despite the community’s significant contributions to the university’s establishment and growth, no indigene from Nsukka has ever been appointed as Vice-Chancellor.

They argue that this pattern of exclusion is both unfair and unjust.

In a communique released after their inaugural meeting, Kpokotenu Nsukka highlighted the qualifications of numerous Nsukka indigenes who are well-suited for the Vice-Chancellor position.

According to the information made available to Diaspora digital media (DDM) the group called upon the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, and the Enugu State government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, to support their cause.

The communique stated, “Kpokotenu Nsukka prays every eligible voter and every other critical stakeholder in the process of electing a VC for UNN, including the Governing Council, to support and vote for an Enugu North Senatorial District candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice.”

The group’s appeal is rooted in the belief that appointing an Nsukka indigene as Vice-Chancellor would rectify decades of marginalization.

They argue that such an appointment would not only honor the community’s contributions but also foster a sense of belonging and equity.

Historically, the leadership of UNN has been drawn from various regions, but notably absent are individuals from the Nsukka area.

The list of past Vice-Chancellors, along with their senatorial zones, includes:

1. Professor George Marion Johnson (1960–1964) – American

2. Professor Glen L. Taggart (1964–1966) – American

3. Professor Eni Njoku (1966–1970) – Lagos West Senatorial District, Lagos State

4. Professor Herbert C. Kodilinye (1970–1971) – Anambra Central Senatorial District, Anambra State

5. Professor Umaru Shehu (1978–1980) – Borno North Senatorial District, Borno State

6. Professor Frank Nwachukwu Ndili (1980–1985) – Delta North Senatorial District, Delta State

7. Professor Chimere Ikoku (1985–1992) – Abia Central Senatorial District, Abia State

8. Professor Okoro Ijeoma (1992–1995) – Imo East Senatorial District, Imo State

9. Professor Umaru Gomwalk (1995–1999) – Plateau Central Senatorial District, Plateau State

10. Professor Ginigeme Francis Mbanefoh (1999–2004) – Anambra Central Senatorial District, Anambra State

11. Professor Chinedu Ositadinma Nebo (2004–2009) – Enugu West Senatorial District, Enugu State

12. Professor Bartho Ndubuisi Okolo (2009–2014) – Enugu East Senatorial District, Enugu State

13. Professor Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba (2014–2019) – Anambra Central Senatorial District, Anambra State

14. Professor Charles Arizechukwu Igwe (2019–2024) – Enugu West Senatorial District, Enugu State

Notably, while some Vice-Chancellors have hailed from Enugu State, none have been from the Nsukka cultural zone in Enugu North Senatorial District.

This absence is particularly striking given that the university is situated within Nsukka territory.

Former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesilieze Nwodo, has also voiced concerns over this exclusion.

In an interview, he questioned why qualified professors from Enugu North Senatorial District have been consistently overlooked for the Vice-Chancellor position.

He emphasized that appointments should be based on merit and inclusivity, reflecting the diverse talents within the university’s host community.

Kpokotenu Nsukka’s communique further appealed to other aspirants for the Vice-Chancellor position who are not from the Nsukka zone to consider withdrawing in the spirit of equity.

They stated, “We pray the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to come to our aid and support a UNN VC of Nsukka extraction to bring to an end the unfair and age-long jinx that has been the lot of the Nsukka man since UNN was established in his backyard decades ago.”

The group also highlighted the significant number of qualified individuals from the Nsukka zone, noting that there are over 500 professors, both domestically and internationally, hailing from the area.

They argue that it is both timely and just for an Nsukka indigene to lead the institution.

As the selection process for the next Vice-Chancellor of UNN progresses, the call for inclusivity and recognition of the host community’s contributions has gained momentum.

The Nsukka community remains hopeful that their appeals will lead to a historic appointment, marking the first time an indigene will occupy the university’s highest leadership position.

In conclusion, the longstanding exclusion of Nsukka indigenes from the Vice-Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has become a significant point of contention.

Advocacy groups and local leaders are calling for a change, emphasizing the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.

They argue that appointing an Nsukka indigene as the next Vice-Chancellor would not only rectify historical oversights but also strengthen the bond between the university and its host community.

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