At Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik) in Awka, Anambra State, controversy rises as the election process for a new Vice-Chancellor has become embroiled in accusations of discrimination.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has taken a stand against the university’s Governing Council, alleging unfair treatment toward its members.

In response to these grievances, MDCAN is seeking legal action from the National Industrial Court, arguing that the selection process for the Vice Chancellor is biased.

MDCAN is pushing for the Vice Chancellor selection to be postponed until the pressing issues at hand are addressed.

Despite these demands, insiders within the University Council indicate that interviews for the Vice Chancellor position are still set to occur this week.

The atmosphere on campus is tense, with stakeholders warning that failure to address the allegations could lead to significant unrest within the university community.

Concerns have been raised regarding the eligibility criteria established by the Governing Council for the Vice Chancellor position.

Many in the university community believe these criteria unfairly discriminate against certain candidates.

In light of this, calls for intervention have reached the highest levels of government, with appeals directed at President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education.

The hope is that their involvement can avert a potential industrial crisis that could disrupt university operations and affect students’ education.

The controversy has escalated, particularly following the Pro-Chancellor’s actions since taking office, which have been criticized in connection with the Vice Chancellor selection process.

The university’s Senate recently expressed discontent with the Council’s advertisement for the election, which they believe is flawed.

Their request for the Council to retract this advertisement was reportedly ignored, further fueling discontent among faculty and staff.

At the heart of MDCAN’s complaints is the revised qualification criteria for the Vice Chancellor position, which now mandates that candidates possess a doctorate.

This new requirement has effectively disqualified many qualified members of MDCAN who possess significant administrative experience within the university.

Dr. Victor Modekwe, the Chairman of MDCAN’s NAUTH Nnewi Chapter, emphasized that previous advertisements allowed for equivalent qualifications alongside relevant experience, making the current standards seem unjust and exclusionary.

Adding to the controversy, the Council is accused of securing a consent judgment from the National Industrial Court in Awka on October 19, which may clear the way for the election to continue, despite the ongoing disputes.