By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The new acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof Carol Umobi, on Monday assumed office.

The smooth transition which took place at the VC’s office witnessed a formal hand over by the former acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Joe Ikechebelu, who was last weekend removed by the council of the university, led by the chairman, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.

Recall that despite the stalemate during the meeting, Mbadiwe had shortly before leaving the university, handed an appointment letter valid for six months to Umeobi.

Briefing journalists after the handover, the Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media, Dr Emma Ojukwu, said that Umobi will act for a non-renewable term of six months, and will not be a part of the contest for a substantive vice chancellor.

He said: “I have been directed to brief you on happenings in the university. As you all know the acting VC has taken office this morning. She is in the office now meeting with students of the university.

“You also know that Prof Joe Ikechebelu who was removed last Saturday was only directed to assume on temporary capacity, pending when the council will appoint Acting VC and the council has done so.

“Council has directed that Ikechebelu who was deputy VC admin should oversee the university pending the appointment of an acting VC.

“I must say that someone who is directed to oversee the university does not equate with the acting Vice chancellor.

“There are misrepresentation that there are two acting Vice Chancellors in the university, but no one was appointed until now, and the recently constituted council of the university has just been appointed and also taken over.”

While saying that the chairman of the council has just fulfilled its first assignment by picking an acting Vice Chancellor, he added: “The council said anyone who will contest to be substantive will not be acting so that everyone will get equal playing ground.

“ASUU advices that it will not be good for Ikechebelu to act, when he has interest in being a substantive. If Ikechebelu wishes to contest, he should know that the advert will be out soon and he can apply,” Ojukwu said.

Information has it that Ikechebelu has returned to his previous position as Deputy Vice Chancellor administration of the university.