The Concerned Students of Abia State University (ABSU) have expressed strong displeasure over the appointment of Prof. Amadike Ugbogu as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution, calling on the Executive Governor of Abia State to review and reverse the decision.
In a letter addressed to the Governor, the student group condemned the appointment, describing it as an alleged case of favouritism that lacks merit, transparency and credibility.
According to the group, the appointment has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the selection process, particularly over allegations that Prof. Ugbogu hails from the Governor’s village. The students argued that this has created doubts about the independence of the University and the fairness of the appointment process.
The group further alleged that the development has strengthened the perception that the appointment was a pre-arranged political reward rather than the outcome of a transparent, competitive and merit-based selection process.
ABSU Students Raise Concerns Over Prof. Ugbogu’s Leadership Record
The Concerned Students also cited what they described as credible reports from within and outside the University, raising questions about Prof. Ugbogu’s suitability to lead the institution.
Among the concerns highlighted by the group are allegations that the professor has demonstrated:
- Bias and Divisiveness: The group alleged that he has a record of promoting personal interests at the expense of institutional fairness.
- Financial Impropriety: The students raised allegations of corruption, financial misconduct and abuse of office during his previous engagements.
- Lack of Integrity: According to the group, concerns about his sincerity and integrity have affected the level of trust among members of the University community.
- Poor Leadership Qualities: The students also accused him of high-handedness, selective treatment and hostility towards opposing views.
It is important to note that these are allegations made by the student group and have not been independently established in the statement provided.
Group Calls for Reversal of ABSU Vice-Chancellor Appointment
The group maintained that Abia State University is a major centre of learning that requires a visionary, competent, credible and unifying leader capable of advancing its academic standards and institutional development.
It argued that the University’s leadership should be determined by merit, experience and proven leadership ability rather than personal relationships, political considerations or alleged patronage.
The students further warned that allowing the appointment to stand could undermine public confidence in the state government’s commitment to transparency, fairness, good governance and the development of quality education in Abia State.
Students Urge Abia State Governor to Conduct Fresh Selection Process
Consequently, the Concerned Students of ABSU appealed to the Governor of Abia State to reconsider and reverse the appointment of Prof. Amadike Ugbogu in the overall interest of the University, its students, staff and the reputation of the state government.
They also called for a credible, transparent and genuinely merit-based selection process to ensure that the most qualified candidate emerges as the next Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
The group, however, reaffirmed its willingness to engage constructively with the state government towards resolving the concerns surrounding the appointment.
The development has drawn attention to issues of transparency, institutional independence and merit-based leadership in Abia State University, as members of the University community await further developments regarding the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor.
