The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), alongside other campus unions, has raised serious concerns over the ongoing process for the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, alleging breaches of due process and undue interference by the institution’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Anthony C. Nebo.
According to the unions, the Pro-Chancellor is allegedly attempting to impose a preferred candidate as Vice-Chancellor through what they described as a “kangaroo screening process,” which reportedly led to the disqualification of several qualified contestants, including senior professors.
The unions further alleged that some of those affected were from Ebonyi State and other selected states.
AE-FUNAI’s current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, was appointed in 2020 for a single five-year tenure, which is expected to expire in February 2026. ASUU maintains that the process of selecting his successor should strictly follow established university statutes, transparency, and fairness.
The unions also alleged that Engr. Nebo is facing accusations of involvement in an alleged bribery scandal and has been boasting of plans to influence the outcome of the VC selection by offering inducements to selected members of the university Senate.
While these claims remain unproven, ASUU said the allegations have generated anxiety within the university community.
ASUU warned that if the alleged actions are not checked, they could lead to unrest within the institution and its host community, particularly in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The union claimed that concerned stakeholders and security agencies have been alerted to closely monitor developments surrounding the selection process.
In a call for intervention, ASUU appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, and other relevant stakeholders to step in and ensure that due process is upheld.
The union emphasized that its position is not targeted at any individual but is aimed at protecting the integrity of the university system and preventing a potential crisis.
“The only thing we demand is that the selection and appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor should be transparent, credible, and in line with university regulations,” ASUU stated.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Engr. Nebo or the AE-FUNAI Governing Council regarding the allegations.
