The Committee of Pro Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities has cautioned against the introduction of primordial sentiments in the selection of Vice Chancellors and administrative officers of universities in the country.
Reacting to protest against the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor at the Obafemi Awolowo University OAU, Ile-Ife Osun State, the Pro chancellors urged all stakeholders to forge a common front to tackle the many challenges currently bedevilling universities in Nigeria.
The committee made these known in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee of the Pro-chancellors of Federal Universities, Prof. Nimi Briggs and made available to journalists in Abuja.
The Pro chancellors condemned the insistence that an indigene of Ife be ap pointed to the position of Vice Chancellor saying OAU is a federal university that has staff from all over Nigeria.
Another level of it disapproval of the insistence is that OAU is a university that recruits staff and students from all over the world.
“In the same vein, the Vice Chancellor can come from any part of Nigeria and the wider world.”
The Pro-chancellors noted that stringent protocols guide the appointment of Vice-chancellors adding that it is a well-defined scoring formula that is not subjective.
“This is followed by the presentation of the candidates vision for the university if appointed and his or her track record and pedigree in realizing aspects of that vision the answers provided constitute what makes the difference between applicants.”
The committee affirmed that the Pro-chancellors chairs the selection committee and final decision is approved by the governing council.
“The Owelle Oscar Udoji led council meticulously went through this process to appoint professor Adebayo Bamire as Vice chancellor.”
Culled from www. von.gov.ng