The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK Awka, Anambra State, Prof Charles Esimone says every professor is a potential VC but that the institution must followed the laid down procedures of National Universities Commission (NUC).
Esimone in an interview with journalists speaks on sundry issues about university administration, advising those interested in succeeding him as Unizik Vice Chancellor not to politicize the contest.
Speaking on his tenure that is coming to an end and how he intends to make it rancour free, the VC said there are laid down procedures for the selection and appointment of a Vice Chancellor in the institution.
“I have been telling my colleagues in the senate and the university community that every professor is a potential Vice Chancellor, but we must followed the laid down procedures.
“National Universities Commission( NUC) has over ten years ago stated the guidelines; steps and qualifications that should be met for one to qualify to be a vice chancellor.
“We have to religiously follow that guideline; there is no annointed candidate. Annointing any person is not one of the process for the selection of the Vice Chancellor of the university. People must pass through the due process of the interview; if ones emerges victorious and found appointable he is appointed as a vice chancellor.
“I want to assure the public that due process must be observed, no short cut. What we don’t want is the people turning the university into conventional political party system where there will be campaign of calumny to ascend to the position.
“The position of Vice Chancellor is a sensitive position that demands every sense of responsibility. Those who must ascend to the position of Vice Chancellor must have been seen to be disciplined.
“They must have what it takes- academic excellence is very important and community service is very crucial. All these are the demands for the position of a Vice Chancellor of a university.
“We are going to follow the rules closely. Whoever that emerges must follow the laid down process. I have also been telling our people that in terms of leadership, it is only God that chooses leaders.
“I have firm believe in God’s words and promises. You see people who are in the eyes of men very qualified and for one reason or the other, God may choose another person.
“Let us watch the process closely and not necessarily to heat up the polity. I said that a university is a place where the administrative acumen should be exposed at all times, coupled with academic excellence the university is supposed to showcase. Then, if that is not demonstrated,it is not proper.
“We must follow things accordingly because the template are very clear and everybody can see that. It is not something that is hidden. The template for appointment of vice chancellor of a university is clear and it has not been changed. I am assuring that every step and stage will be transparently done.
