By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The newly elected Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo has been described as the most experienced of the three candidates shortlisted for the position.
The Vice Chancellor, VC, Prof. Enefioķ Essien stated this during a press conference on Wednesday in Uyo, following claims that the selection process was manipulated.
Essien who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Eno-idem Usoro, explained that the process that produced the 8th substantive VC followed the stipulated laws guiding the removal and appointment of a Vice Chancellor in a Federal University.
He stated that the University Governing Council had on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, accepted the recommendation of the Joint Council and Senate Board and resolved to select the VC through a secret vote in line with the extant law required for that purpose.
At the end of the process Essien noted, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo had nine votes, Prof. Edet Udoh had four votes while Prof. Gabriel Umoh had no vote.
“The Governing Council which had the Chairman and 12 other members present at the meeting, had accepted the recommendation of the Joint Council and Senate Board and resolved in line with the extant law to select the Vice Chancellor through a secret vote.
“At the end, Prof. Nyaudoh Ukpabio Ndaeyo had scored nine votes, Prof. Edet Joshua Udoh had scored four votes and Prof. Gabriel Sunday Umoh had scored zero vote.
“The decision of Council was also based on the fact that Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo is the most experienced of the three candidates having served as the Head of Department, Vice Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Chairman Committee of Deans and Deputy Vice Chancellor.
“We do not in any way suspect any political undertone because this is an academic institution and from what we have read earlier, we follow the law. And so, even if anybody has any political inclinations, it was not part of our standard.” He explained.
Essien stated that what was presented at Council before selection, before advert, during the shortlisting and the process of interview, and the process of final selection had no political inclination.
“The Chairman of the Govering Council was part of the voting process and he didn’t vote on political basis.” The VC said.
