Nto’s promotion to professor followed due process, but only Council Chairman Edeh can explain delay
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, has stated that the appraisal and recommendation of Dr. Philips Nto for promotion to the rank of professor strictly followed due process and the institution’s extant regulations.
Speaking with journalists in his office, Prof. Iwe maintained that all procedures required for Nto’s elevation were duly observed, insisting that there was no academic or procedural lapse in the handling of the matter.
He, however, said that only the Chairman of the Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh, could explain why Dr. Nto’s promotion has yet to be approved.
The Vice-Chancellor strongly criticised what he described as the growing trend of non-academics commenting on purely academic issues, particularly matters relating to professorial assessment and promotion.
He described as inappropriate the decision by the Pro-Chancellor to delegate a non-academic to address the media on Nto’s case.
According to him, the individual sent to brief the press lacked the academic background and requisite knowledge to speak on issues concerning professorial appointments, insisting that such matters require proper academic understanding.
Prof. Iwe also dismissed allegations by the Council Chairman that he had failed to present Nto’s case earlier, explaining that the university system is dynamic and that promotion matters are considered regularly.
“There is no limit to the number of candidates the Council’s Committee on Appointments and Promotions can present to Council, as we meet regularly,” he said, noting that Nto’s case was presented when it was due and independent of previously considered cases.
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that Nto’s appraisal and recommendation were properly processed from the department through the college and subsequently endorsed by the relevant council committee, stressing that the matter should not have generated controversy.
When asked about claims by the Council Chairman that the case was under investigation, Prof. Iwe said he was unaware of any such probe, maintaining that there was no academic encumbrance to Nto’s promotion.
“Whatever is making the case linger — because it is still lingering — is only known to the Pro-Chancellor,” he said.
