The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Medical Alumni Association has called for the immediate withdrawal of the university’s advertisement for the position of Vice-Chancellor, citing violations of the University Act and discriminatory criteria.
Representing medical graduates of the university, the association raised concerns that the current advertisement focuses more on minimum skills and personal achievements rather than the qualities explicitly outlined in the University Act.
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the association’s president, Prof. Afiadigwe Evaristus, noted that the advertisement’s insistence on a PhD qualification unfairly excludes medical professionals. According to Prof. Evaristus, medical fellowships are academically superior to a PhD, yet are disregarded in the criteria.
“We urge the university authorities to withdraw the advertisement and release a revised version that reflects the qualities and requirements for the Vice-Chancellor position, devoid of discrimination,” Prof. Evaristus said.
In addition, the alumni association criticized the requirement for candidates to have secured grants totaling 400 million naira, describing it as “unrealistic and unprecedented.” The association argued that such a criterion unfairly limits the pool of candidates and is not in line with past precedents.
Prof. Evaristus stated that the association had already written a formal letter to the university’s governing council, though no significant steps have been taken to address their concerns. He also called on Nigerians and stakeholders to join the association in pushing for a fair and transparent selection process.
“Our call for action is not driven by personal interests but by a deep-seated desire to protect the integrity and excellence of our alma mater,” he emphasized.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the next Vice-Chancellor’s selection is conducted in a manner that upholds equity, inclusivity, and the highest standards of academic integrity.
