…Threatens legal action

A candidate for the Vice Chancellorship position of the University of Calabar (Unical), Prof. Joseph Duke, has called for the withdrawal of the advertisement placed for the position over alleged constitutional and statutory violations.

Duke said the violations undermine the integrity of Nigeria higher education governance and may set dangerous precedents for other federal universities if left unchecked.

The candidate spoke through his lawyer, Mr Ubong Akpan of the Ubong Akpan Chambers, in a letter dated June 17 and addressed to the University’s Pro-Chancellor and chairman Governing council.

The letter with reference: Unical/VC/2025/001 and made available to VANGUARD was also copied to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, as well as the Ministers of Education and Justice and Attorney General of the federation.

Duke particularly faulted the May 27 advertisement, that placed a 10-year post professorial experience as one of it’s requirement.

He noted that the requirement was against the University’s historical benchmark of 5-9 years of professorial experience and national norms of 5-8 years among first generation Universities in the country.

“The 10-year criterion, adopted without a Senate and Council approved statute under Section 10 of the Act or a proper resolution under first schedule, paragraph 4(2)(a)(i), exceeds the Council’s authority, as evidenced by member dissent,” he stated.

The professor further accused the University of relying on unspecified federal directives which infringe on University autonomy as spelt out under section 2(a) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.

He alleged that the plan of the University’s management through the advertisement placed in respective of the Vice Chancellorship position was intended to scheme out some persons in favour of their adopted candidate.

According to him, “The Council’s decision, adopted at a meeting in March 2025, was marred by dissent among members, lack of consultation with the Senate, and noncompliance with quorum requirements.

“Others are allegations of zoning biases favoring specific candidates, and reliance on matters and directives not authorized by statute,” he added.

“Written objections were raised post March 2025, contributing to a temporary suspension of the advertisement in April 2025, but the published version retains the defective criteria, necessitating this notice.

“These written objections even included those signed by governing council members themselves,”

While noting that the placed advertisement for the University’s top position was defective, Duke therefore demand for it’s withdrawal.

He also demanded for the reversal of the 10 years post professorial experience to “between 6 to 8 years.”

The VC hopeful called for the reconvening of the council with a quorum, consult the Senate, and document consensus to comply with the third Schedule, article 1(6)), section 7(1), and section 36(1) respectively.

“Similarly, I demand that the University management ensure criteria are applied equitably, avoiding discrimination under Section 19, Section 42(1), and Section 14(3).

“Publish a new advertisement in a reputable newspaper, complying with first schedule, paragraph 4 of the 1999 constitution, and NUC guidelines.”

Duke warned that he would institute legal action against the University in the federal high court should the management fail to meet with the demands.