By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The race for the seat of Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NAU Awka, has finally come to an end with the emergence of Prof Joseph Ikechebelu to replace the outgoing VC, Prof Charles Esimone.

This is coming on the heels of a recent directive from the National Universities Commission, NUC

Recall that the five-year tenure of Esimone would wrap up on June 4, 2024, having assumed office about the same time in 2019.

The VC race has been dramatically riddled with intrigues and schemes, with interested parties writing frivolous petitions and sharing fake news against their opponents.

But, an NUC directives sighted by our correspondent instructed all the outgoing Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities to hand over to their most senior ranking deputies.

Information has it that Prof Joseph Ikechebelu is the only Deputy Vice Chancellor in UNIZIK, hence, it is expected that the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone will hand over to Ikechebelu on June 4 when he will vacate the seat.

The directive signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Chris J. Maiyaki, partly read”, HANDOVER PROTOCOL FOR OUTGOING VICE-CHANCELLORS:

“I write to convey the directive of the Honourable Minister of Education, to the effect that Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, who are rounding up their tenures, should hand over their responsibilities to their most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university, in line with extant regulations governing the administration of Federal Universities, which stipulates that Vice-Chancellors are not to remain in Office beyond their designated terminal dates.

“This measure is to ensure a smooth and seamless transition in the leadership of the universities, thereby maintaining the requisite stability and continuity for the effective administration and academic performance of the various institutions.

“Out-going Vice-Chancellors are further, requested to ensure that a detailed handover report documenting key activities, ongoing projects, university assets, financial statements, and any other pertinent information, forms part of the handover process.

“Please note that the Federal Ministry of Education and your respective University Senates must be duly notified of your handover before the terminal dates.

The Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the contributions of all outgoing Vice-Chancellors and anticipates your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition process.

“This directive is effective immediately and compliance is mandatory.

“Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.”