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COURT STOPS UNN FROM CONDUCTING CONVOCATION ELECTION
A Federal High Court in Enugu State has restrained the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) from conducting its convocation election until the determination of a suit brought by some aspirants alleging a breach of the Standing Orders of Proceedings by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu.
In the suit, filed under number FHC/E/CS/217/2024, the plaintiffs claim that Professor Chigbu violated sections 20 and 22 of the Standing Orders of the Convocation by unilaterally changing election procedures without a properly constituted convocation meeting.
Sources allege that while the University Registrar was away on official duty, the Acting Vice Chancellor published a new set of procedures on November 21, 2024, disregarding the existing publication from November 7th and the Standing Order of Proceedings. Some perceive this action as favoring the Vice Chancellor’s close associate.
The Standing Orders prohibit anyone, including the Vice Chancellor, from amending the proceedings without a duly constituted convocation meeting and a two-thirds majority vote.
During the court proceedings on November 28, 2024, the judge adjourned the matter but emphasized that UNN, as a federal institution, should refrain from proceeding with the challenged process, having been duly served. Proceeding would be unacceptable under the law.
Plaintiffs are calling on the University’s Pro-Chancellor, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), to ensure due process is followed and prevent a brewing crisis. They argue that consulting stakeholders to change the Standing Orders is a “fraudulent tactic” and question the integrity of the hired company, ARROW FAST LIMITED, which has never undertaken similar projects before.
C. D Eze,Esq counsel to the plaintiffs, stated that UNN’s actions regarding the election are subject to the court’s decision. The hearing is set for January 15, 2025. UNN’s Legal Adviser declined to comment on the matter.
