By Chinedu Adonu

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has rejected the appointment of Dr. Ngozichukwu Unaogu as Chief Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu.

The NAUS Deputy National President, Comr. Meshach Anthony Nwankwo, in a statement, revealed that Dr. Andrew Orovwigbo, who passed the interview with a score of 65.3%, was illegally denied the position.

The statement said: “Several Civil Society Organizations had cried out for justice to prevail but all to no avail; prompting us to intervene especially as members of our constituency are involved.

“We are going resist this impunity using all the instruments of Civil disobedience if this issue not addressed immediately.

“Following the interview, we have it on record that both candidates signed attestations confirming that the process was transparent, fair, and free from manipulation.

“While we congratulate the new Minister of Health and Social Welfare, we urge him to look into this oddity as a matter of urgency and in the same breathe demand accountability from the Secretary-General of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.”

“The leadership of NAUS will be engaging the Ministry actively to ensure that no stone is left unturned in addressing this issue as justice delayed is justice denied.”

“Meanwhile, Dr. Andrew Orovwigbo, who passed the interview, is illegally being denied the position. The interview took place on July 11, 2024, and was conducted by an eight-member panel chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Daju Kachollom.”

“It is alleged that the examination questions were crafted by Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, an esteemed expert and former Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi, and the Chair of the Faculty of Psychiatry at the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria.”

“Notably, all panel members signed the result sheet, showing Dr. Orovwigbo scored 65.3% and Dr. Unaogu 59.2%.”

“After the interview, both candidates signed attestations confirming the process was transparent, fair, and free from manipulation.”

The panel that conducted the examination included representatives from various bodies, such as the Federal Character Commission’s Hon. Rev. Ukadike Ibeabuchi, and ministry directors Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Tetshoma T. Dafeta, Dr. Aderemi Azeez, Dr. Obiajulu Ugbo, Rasimatu U. Bello, and Igwenagu Ndidi Catherine, PhD.