The name of Godwin Akper, a candidate for the position of vice-chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, is missing from the congregation list.

Mr Akper’s name was conspicuously missing from the list of members of the university’s congregation released on Monday.

The congregation was constituted on Monday to elect representatives for the team tasked with identifying the next vice-chancellor, as the current vice-chancellor’s tenure is set to expire on February 11, 2026.

However, the names of Mr Akper, ex-deputy vice-chancellor in charge of technology innovation and research, and a few other members were missing. It was gathered that the exclusion of Mr Akper’s name might be linked to his academic qualifications not meeting the university’s membership criteria.

It was discovered that Mr Akper holds a Diploma in Theology from the Reformed Theological College of Nigeria and a Master of Arts from Westminster Theological Seminary in California, but lacks a first degree, which is considered a prerequisite for congregation membership.

A member of the congregation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that Mr Akper’s chances of succeeding the current vice-chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, might have dwindled due to the development.

Meanwhile, Mr Akper has responded to the surprising omission of his name from the congregation list, describing the experience as an unexpected challenge in his bid for the vice-chancellor position.

(NAN)