A Federal High Court in Enugu State has issued an injunction preventing the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from proceeding with its convocation election until the resolution of a lawsuit filed by several aspirants.
The case, which involves an alleged breach of the university’s Standing Orders of Convocation, was brought against the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu.
The plaintiffs, in suit FHC/E/CS/217/2024, accused Professor Chigbu of violating sections 20 and 22 of the Standing Orders. They claimed that he unilaterally altered election procedures without holding a properly constituted convocation meeting, thereby undermining the established process.
A source familiar with the situation revealed, “On November 7, 2024, as required by law, the university published the procedures for the convocation meeting where representatives to the university’s Governing Council would be elected. However, while the Registrar was away on official duty, the Acting Vice Chancellor, in what many consider an ‘act of rascality,’ changed the procedures on November 21, 2024, without any reference to the previous publication or the standing orders.”
The source added that this action, which many believe was aimed at benefiting close associates of the Acting Vice Chancellor, sparked widespread outrage within the university.
The Standing Orders stipulate that changes to the election process can only be made through a properly convened convocation meeting, and that any amendment requires a motion passed by two-thirds of convocation members present and voting.
Another university insider noted that due to these discrepancies, the aspirants took the matter to court.
During proceedings on November 28, 2024, the court confirmed that all involved parties, including the university and Professor Chigbu, had been properly served with the court processes.
The presiding judge emphasized that, according to legal tradition, no further actions should be taken on the election proceedings while the case was pending.
One of the plaintiffs, who requested anonymity, urged the university’s Pro-Chancellor, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), to intervene and prevent damage to his reputation due to the Acting Vice Chancellor’s actions.
“The Acting Vice Chancellor’s attempts to change the Standing Orders are fraudulent tactics,” the plaintiff said.
“Members of the Senate are part of the convocation, and any changes should be discussed with them, not external stakeholders. The Vice Chancellor never raised this issue at a Senate meeting.”
University sources agreed that while reform of the convocation election process might be necessary, it should be done in accordance with university law and the standing orders.
They expressed concern that the Acting Vice Chancellor’s approach to the election was suspicious and raised questions about potential ulterior motives.
The choice of ARROW FAST LIMITED (Reg. No. 1408710) to handle the online registration and voting for the election has also raised concerns.
Reports suggest that the company has no prior experience with such projects, further questioning the integrity of the process.
Barrister C.D. Eze, the plaintiffs’ legal counsel, told our reporter, “Whatever the university decides to do regarding the election is subject to the court’s decision. Once we informed the judge that UNN had been served, the judge confirmed that any actions taken by the university are subject to the ongoing case.”
The UNN Legal Adviser, Barrister M.A. Obayi, declined to comment when contacted for a statement.
The case is scheduled for a hearing on January 15, 2025.
