The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has petitioned President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the institution’s upcoming 57th inaugural lecture, scheduled for December 11, 2024.
The union is calling for the cancellation of the lecture, citing alleged irregularities regarding the professorship of the scheduled lecturer, Professor Raphael Echebiri.
In a statement signed by ASUU-MOUAU Chairperson M. Ugwuene and Secretary E. C. Osodeke, the union claimed Echebiri’s professorship, initially granted during the tenure of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Hilary Edeoga, was later revoked. They alleged that the current administration reinstated his promotion without addressing prior concerns.
The union referenced an August 2024 letter to Vice-Chancellor Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, which highlighted a report by the MOUAU Visitation Panel. According to ASUU, the report stated that Echebiri’s promotion did not follow due process. ASUU warned that proceeding with the lecture would tarnish the university’s image and urged the Vice-Chancellor to avoid actions that might reintroduce impunity.
However, MOUAU’s Public Relations Unit Head, Ubadire Agua, dismissed ASUU’s claims, asserting that the university’s Senate, which includes ASUU members, had approved Professor Echebiri as the lecturer.
Agua defended the Vice-Chancellor, describing him as a fair leader committed to peace and progress. He confirmed the lecture would hold as planned, urging all parties to preserve the current peaceful atmosphere at MOUAU.
The dispute has raised concerns about the potential impact of internal conflicts on the university’s governance and reputation, highlighting broader issues of transparency and accountability in academic institutions.
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