Insists Appointment Followed Due Process
The Four House Unions of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education comprising of Academic Staff Union (ASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have passed vote of confidence on the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi, describing the appointment as one done with unanimous approval, due diligence, due process and with the support of the university community.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, January 27 at the school premises, Dr Jovita Ogu, the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of the universities,ASUU, stated that Prof. Lemchi’s appointment was conducted with utmost transparency and adherence to established guidelines.
“The Governing Council of the institution, under the able leadership of distinguished Senator Joy Emodi, meticulously followed all procedures outlined by the Federal Ministry of Education” she reiterated and listed the steps taken which are : advertisement for application, constitution of a search team, shortlisting/screening process, interview and final selection.
Ogu vehemently faulted claims made in publications circulating on media spaces, doubting Lemchi’s credentials and qualifications. She revealed that the new Vice Chancellor’s academic and administrative track records are exemplary, adding that her leadership qualities are widely recognized within and outside the academic community.
She urged the general public to reject misinformation and blackmail imported by “self seeking individuals and detractors whose aim is to sow discord and undermine the progress of the institution”
Ogu revealed that the entire Alvan community is satisfied by the process leading to the appointment of Lemchi as evident in the massive heralding reception of the VC on the day of her appointment. She expressed hope that Lemchi’s appointment shall usher in a new era of growth and development for the institution.
Dean Faculty of Arts, Prof. Chinenye Udeze described Lemchi as a woman of capacity, full of experience, knowledge and energy required to bring about more academic dividends to the citadel of learning.
She maintained that the ongoing campaigns of calumny are sponsored by the opponents or rivals of the new VC who wished to occupy the exalted position but were grossly disappointed. She added that the entire Alvan community is solidly behind Prof. Lemchi.
Prof. Ngozi Ebemuche, former deputy provost of the institution thanked God for the appointment of Lemchi and appreciated Alvan community for the heroic welcome extended to her on her arrival into the university after her appointment.
He expressed gratitude to Senator Joy Emodi for the transparent and rigorous process she embarked upon to arrive at Lemchi’s appointment, extolling her administrative acumen, skillful reasoning and expertise.
Dignitaries at the conference were Comrade Kizito Uzoma, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Comrade Dr. Eze Maduakor, chairman, Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), Comrade Martin Chieke, chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Comrade Emma Nwachukwu, president, Students Union Government amongst other members of various councils of the university.
