Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State
University of Science and Technology,
Prof. Cyprain Onyeji, and the Academic
Staff Union of Universities have clashed
over the appointment of deans of
faculties in the institution and non
payment of salary arrears.
The rivalry, our correspondent gathered on
Monday, started shortly after the suspension
of the nationwide strike of ASUU on December
17.
It was learnt that before the strike was called
off, the ESUT vice-chancellor had directed that
the suspended deanship elections into
faculties where elections were due should be
conducted on Monday, December 23.
His directive was contained in a memorandum
by the Registrar,which also stated that
nominations already received for the elections
remained valid and that further nominations
were to be accepted from interested persons
until 3pm on Friday, December 20.
However, the leadership of ASUU kicked
against the scheduled date for the election, in
a letter to the vice-chancellor.
The ASUU-ESUT, in a letter to the vice-
chancellor, dated December 19, 2013, notified
him of the resolution of its congress on
December 18.
The union also stated that the election could
not hold on the scheduled date, due to non-
compliance with the law establishing the
state-owned university.
The Chairman of ASUU-ESUT, Prof. Gab Agu;
Secretary, Dr. O.J Odo, and five other
members of the branch executive signed the
letter.
The letter cited the Enugu State University of
Science and Technology, Law Cap 74, Revised
Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.
It read, “Where an election is to hold, a notice
of election shall be sent at least three weeks
before the election, and shall also be pasted
on the faculty notice board.”
The union stated that “the name of candidates
for election as well as the proposers and
seconders shall be published within 24 hours
after the close of nominations.”
It added,“The import of the above is that the
election will not be ripe for contest on Monday,
the December 23, 2013.
“It is the view of ASUU-ESUT that the earlier
forms collected remain invalidated by the
ASUU strike that aborted the same. It cannot
be ressurected after its death by
administartive fiat. ASUU strike was
suspended by ASUU NEC on Tuesday
17/12/2013 and by ASUU-ESUT on
Wednesday 18/12/2013. The effective date
therefore for commencement of collection of
forms can only be December 18, 2013, when
the ASUU strike was suspended. Any form
collected before that date is therefore null and
void as something cannot be built on nothing.”
The ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Cyprian
Onyeji, could not be reached for comments.
When contacted, the Pro-Chancellor, Chilo
Offiah, said he wanted to contact the vice-
chancellor before making any comments.
Meanwhile, the congress of ASUU-ESUT on
Monday vowed not to be intimidated “by
underhand tactics of the vice chancellor.”
However, tension mounted when Agu read out
a text message he allegedly received from
Prof. Onyeji.
It reads, “Dear Chairman, ASUU-ESUT, I learnt
you fixed ASUU congress on Monday to
discuss deanship election, the same time the
management had earlier scheduled that the
election should hold. I take it that you are
challenging constituted university authorities.
“Your congress must not clash with the period
of scheduled deanship election. Any candidate
who feels that the conduct of the elction is
improper is free to petition and an
appropriate committee will be set up to
investigate it. That is how it is done. University
administration is not run by unionism and
nobody should hide under ASUU to advance
personal interest.”
Those who attended the congress (Monday)
included Prof. C.J.C. Akubuilo, Prof. Ike Oluha,
Prof. Onyehalu and Prof. Olewe.
Title : Education: ASUU, ESUT VC Clash Over Appointment Of Deans
Description : Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Cyprain Onyeji, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities have...