Members of staff of the Anambra-owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University have called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to announce a substantive vice-chancellor.

The staff, in a statement in Awka on Wednesday, stated that announcing a substantive vice-chancellor would end the ongoing selection process.

The COOU has not had a substantive vice-chancellor since the expiration of Greg Nwakoby’s tenure in December 2023.

They commended Mr Soludo for insisting on due process in the appointment of a vice-chancellor and also the governing council for its painstaking efforts to ensure that the right things were done.

The statement was signed on behalf of the workers by Peter Okonkwo, Stephen Unachukwu, and Mbanefo Odum.

They said the search and selection committees had concluded their processes and submitted the results to Soludo.

Chidi Odinkalu, chairman of the governing council, confirmed that the joint selection committee’s recommendation was submitted to the governor earlier in August.

They urged Mr Soludo to act on the recommendations before him, adding that this was the first time the university witnessed a transparent and credible selection process.

“Credit must be given to the visitor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who, with an in-depth understanding of the university system, declined to predetermine a preferred outcome.

“Equal commendation is due to the seven-member joint council/Senate selection and appointment committee, which conducted a seamless process that was unanimously endorsed by all members without dispute.

“The joint council/Senate selection committee, having completed its assignment and submitted to the visitor, it is expected that the visitor should, in line with Ordinance 11 (4d), appoint the candidate who placed first,” they said.

(NAN)