Tensions Rise at Ojukwu University Over Alleged Political Interference in VC Selection
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University gate
By our reporter
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, has been thrown into turmoil following the alleged involvement of the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, in the election of Senate representatives to the Joint Council/Senate Committee for the Selection of a Substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Members of the university community accused her of falsely invoking the authority of the University Visitor, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and of overstepping her bounds by interfering in internal Senate matters.
According to a source within the institution, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, the Commissioner’s involvement suggests ulterior motives.
One of the source said that she lacks any legal or procedural authority to meddle in the affairs of the University Senate or in the selection process of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
“We have it on good authority that the Governor did not, at any point, authorize her to take on the role she has assumed. We were told falsely that the Governor, through the Governing Council Chairman, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, instructed her to oversee the election. That was a lie. Her involvement was shocking. She effectively usurped the powers of the Senate,”
“The question on everyone’s lips is: Why would she lie against the Governor? Why use his name to cover questionable conduct? Whose interest is she serving? These are questions begging for answers.”
“People are visibly angry. We had previously conducted the election successfully. A few individuals, dissatisfied with the outcome, petitioned against it,even though over 52 persons confirmed the process was free, fair, and credible. The petition of a few was prioritized over the consensus of the majority.”
“Across faculties, departments, offices, and administrative platforms, people are registering their disapproval. One courageous comrade has already spoken out, describing what happened as a ‘rape of the university’s decision-making body.’ This must not be swept under the carpet. It sets a dangerous and unhealthy precedent.”
“First, it was the dubious announcement of a so-called ‘four-man Senate Electoral Committee’, which was rescinded after questions arose about its legitimacy. And now this? Whether old or young, senior or junior, male or female COOU must outlive us all. The next 25 years of this institution are at stake.”the source said
Another visibly angry member of the university community stated ” Having been confronted with questions regarding the conduct of the Senate election to the Joint Committee of Council and Senate for the selection of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, I must categorically state that the Commissioner’s dual role as observer and electoral umpire was both illegal and unethical.”
“To my knowledge, the Governing Council of COOU did not authorize her involvement in the Senate election. Her conduct has set a dangerous precedent that must not be tolerated in any university governed by the rule of law. COOU has established laws and statutes that govern it,these must be respected.”
“The Commissioner for Education must explain to the Senate who sent her to conduct the Senate election on 9th July 2025. Until proven otherwise, I strongly maintain that the Governor the Visitor of the University did not instruct her to act in that capacity.” the second source added.
A third source, also speaking anonymously for fear of victims action, described the incident as “a complete illegality”
“I watched with great dismay as the University Senate was undermined. The Commissioner had no backing from the University Law or Senate Rules to superimpose herself on the proceedings. If the Governor sent her, there should have been an official government memo. If the University Council sent her, that would constitute interference into Senate affairs, which is beyond their purview.”
“If she came as Commissioner for Education, who invited her? At most, she should have observed. If she came as a university professor, she must remember she is on leave of absence and cannot take part in Senate decisions. So, again on whose authority did she act? This continuous violation of our university system by a desperate few must end. We are learning.” the third source said .
Also another concerned stakeholder declared:“For the record , In support of earlier speakers: I fully align myself with the concerns expressed. It is highly irregular and indeed alarming that the Commissioner for Education, lacking any official mandate from the Governing Council or the Visitor, took on dual roles in such a critical and sensitive Senate process.”
According to this source,the incident is a breach of Protocol and University Law.
” COOU, like all public universities, is governed by established laws and internal statutes. Her actions violate these structures.
” No directive from the Governing Council or Visitor empowered her to preside over, supervise, or conduct any Senate election. Her actions reflect a blatant disregard for due process.
“Her involvement raises suspicions and unrest. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome of what should have been a purely academic and internal process. Unchallenged, this action threatens university autonomy and academic freedom.The Commissioner owes the Senate and the wider university community a clear and truthful explanation. Without evidence, we are justified in concluding that she acted on her own” “This is not just about this election it is about upholding the rule of law, preserving the independence of the university Senate, and resisting the creeping politicization of academic governance. I stand with earlier voices in demanding accountability. If this was a Council-sanctioned action, then the Commissioner cannot be both observer and umpire at the same time. That is a fundamental contradiction.” the sources added .
All efforts made to speak with the commissioner were not successful as her phone not reachable
