A storm is brewing at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) as professors without PhDs protest the selection criteria for the next Vice Chancellor.
The professors, mostly from the medical sciences, are calling for the immediate withdrawal and review of a recent advertisement for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor.
At the heart of the controversy is the advertisement’s requirement for applicants to hold a PhD in a relevant field, which the professors argue excludes medical professionals who hold fellowships instead.
They claim this stipulation is discriminatory and prevents qualified medical professionals from vying for the top position.
The professors are also contesting a new requirement that candidates must have attracted a grant of at least ₦400 million to qualify for the role.
They argue that this condition is unreasonable and prioritizes financial capacity over academic merit.
Dr. Victor I. Modekwe, Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at UNIZIK, expressed concerns about the advertisement’s emphasis on financial capacity over academic excellence.
“It suggests that our university operates on a cash-and-carry basis, going to the highest bidder,” he said.
Dr. Modekwe stressed the need for fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency in the selection process to ensure that all qualified individuals, including medical professionals, can compete for the Vice-Chancellor position.
In response, the university authorities have urged MDCAN to confirm with the National Universities Commission (NUC) whether a medical fellowship is equivalent to a PhD degree.
The Governing Council has emphasized that if the NUC confirms this equivalency, medical fellowships will be accepted as equivalent to PhDs for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor.
The protest has led to a strike by MDCAN members, disrupting academic activities and leaving students out of class.
The professors are appealing to the federal government and relevant authorities to intervene and ensure the university’s leadership selection process remains merit-based and inclusive.
“The university authorities and MDCAN must engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the controversy.
“The National Universities Commission (NUC) should provide clarity on the equivalency of medical fellowships to PhD degrees”, a student stated.
The strike has left students bearing the brunt of the controversy. “We see the students as our future alumni, and it pains us that they are suffering due to an avoidable situation,” Dr. Modekwe said.
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