THE STRUGGLE FOR THE VICE-CHANCELLORSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN:2004 -2009

[toyin adepoju]

"Delta and Edo States, not any particular ethnic group in both states, are stakeholders in that University which was built from the resources of the defunct Bendel State now Delta and Edo States, before it was taken over by the Federal Government. We wish to note here with sadness that even other Edos not from Edo South that have been Vice Chancellors have for that reason been classified as non indigenes in their own State. Let it be noted that the location of a Federal University does not give the indigenes of its location the peculiar prerogative to head it. For instance, in the University of Ibadan, the oldest in Nigeria, no Ibadan man has been made Vice Chancellor, no Nsukka man has been made Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the examples can be multiplied. Yet hell has not been let loose as in the case of UNIBEN".

from http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/36042-let-prof-nwanze.html

Is this section highlighted by me true?


from http://www.thisdayonline.com/archive/2003/11/26/20031126edu01.html .

1. Dateline: 16/11/2004 07:36:41

UNIBEN: Scheming, Intrigues as Race for V-C Seat Hots Up A silent but fierce struggle is on at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for the position of Vice-Chancellor, which becomes vacant in February next year. Edo State Correspondent, Omon-Julius Onabu examines the intrigues One of Nigeria's foremost ivory towers, the University of Benin, has, in recent times, assumed the theatre of sundry dramas full of intricate plots and amazing suspense. The dramatis personae? A handful of academic eggheads engaged in desperate plots, scheming and deft subterranean maneuvering to succeed the current Vice-chancellor, Prof Abhulimen Richard Anao . The battle for his successor in February next year might well turn out the best fought race in the 30-year history of the institution. The contenders where scheduled to appear before the screening panel yesterday. The job of a university's Vice-chancellor is not an all-comers affair. It is for a select few among the forest of academic personnel with exceptional track records in their respective chosen fields. Indeed, the qualities demanded of those who may be considered for the esteemed office transcend academic astuteness, dexterity and internationally acclaimed resourcefulness. Firmness of character and versatility in resource management and excellent human relations are qualities keenly sought for in a would be Vice-chancellor, though the strict demand for this ideal academic helmsman had been threatened in the past by military and political exigencies. The race for UNIBEN's next Vice-chancellor has gathered unique momentum essentially because extant federal university laws stipulate a single term of five years, which is not renewable. So, the possible threat of the so-called incumbency factor to aspirants has been eliminated. But race has become no less intriguing. What stands the search for Anao's successor out is rather the methods of some of the candidates in their desperate bid to upstage other contenders to the coveted seat. Investigations show that some of the candidates would stop at nothing to emerge victorious. Thus, they have thrown academic traditions, etiquette, decorum or finesse out of the window. Ironically, the published advertisement, placed by the university in August, stated that whoever would be Anao's successor should be a one who is not likely to foster personal, racial, ethnic, political, religious or other sectional interests. This would appear to be the sore point in the apparently desperate contention for the coveted office in certain quarters, with the ethnic card being brandished in order to curry some favour and gain undue advantage. Following the retirement of the Registrar, Mrs. M.M. Idehen about a year ago, spirited efforts were made by an interest group to dissuade a well qualified Benin indigene and Deputy Registrar in the person of Mr. Ephraim Ayanru, from applying for the job. Sources confirmed that Ayanru was eminently qualified to become the next registrar, but the interest group had pressured him to sacrifice his career for the promotion of some higher noble cause of his native Benin ethnic group. According to an insider, Ayanru was perceived as capable of jeopardizing the chances of a proper Benin man getting the Vice-chancellor's job next year if he succeeded Mrs. Idehen (also a Benin indigene). But Ayanru could not be persuaded. He put himself forward, and claimed the position for which he had all the credentials to take. He was said to have queried why he, a full-blooded Benin man, should sacrifice his career, just to pave the way for another Benin man, also pursuing a chosen career. Interestingly, another Benin man, Mr. H.O. Bazuaye, is the Bursar. Besides, the bursar's kinsmen are also Director, Academic Planning and Deputy Librarian. Those who marvel at the motive for the 'Benin-man-must-emerge V-C' campaign argue that Benin men and women in the university system are presently enjoying a generous share of the lofty positions. They noted that the sons and daughters of the soil also hold sway at the university's teaching hospital, (UBTH), where Dr. Egiegba is Acting Chief Medical Director, a position that was occupied, until the recent crisis there, by Prof. Austin Obasohan, a Benin man. Therefore, the strong agitation by a certain pressure group for a Benin man as Anao's successor, which has seen the names of the Benin monarch, the revered Oba Erediauwa, the first visitor to the University of Benin, Dr. Samuel O. Ogbemudia, and their eminent citizens being dropped to have an edge, has been criticized. However, the pro-Benin advocates have argued that a Delta State indigene Mr. R.A. Williams, was UNIBEN's Registrar when both Prof. Grace Alele-Williams and Prof. Andrew G. Onokerhoraye (both Deltans) served as Vice-chancellor. They are leaving nothing to chance, having set up a powerful lobby group and also ensuring that as many qualified Benin professors as possible are in the race. A comic, albeit baffling, dimension to the agitation was recently witnessed when a popular Benin based transporter, who is a complete stranger to academic matters, publicly declared that he was leading the campaign to ensure that only Benin persons are henceforth appointed Vice-chancellor at UNIBEN. Although, it was not clear which of the several Benin professors in the race he was specifically campaigning for, his argument was that since UNIBEN is on Benin soil, it was unfair not to have had a Benin man as helmsman since its inception. THISDAY gathered, that though the traditional university search party had penciled down about four applicants, out of whom three names would eventually be sent to the President and Visitor to the university for his final consideration and appointment, several other persons from within and outside UNIBEN had put in their applications. At a glance, the list includes, without any ordered pattern, Profs. .E. Bob Osaze, Osayuki Oshodin, Patrick Erhabor, Owie and the current Vice-chancellor of the privately-owned Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Anthony Osagie, Others are Profs T.O.K. Audu, E.A.C. Nwanze, D. Ofomata and A. O. Okhamafe THISDAY checks also revealed that four or five of the applicants for the job are greatly favoured to produce the crucial three names that would eventually be sent for the final consideration of the president of the federation. However, nothing forecloses some last minute alteration of this projection since none of the about 10 known applicants could be labelled as pushovers. However, it was learnt that the search party, a committee of experts, has penciled down just four: PROF T.O.K. Audu is a Chemical Engineer and current Dean, Faculty of Engineering. He is one of the most senior academics in the system. His popularity cuts across the academic, non-academic and students population, and, indeed the international academic and scientific world. He is said to be highly experienced in administration. He once served as a member of the then Bendel State Government Executive Council and hails from Edo North. Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze is a professor of Science who specialises in Biochemistry. He hails from Delta State and needs little introduction in the university and academic circles. He has provided much insight into various diseases that plague mankind and belongs to the privileged class of 'Senior Professors of UNIBEN'. The fact that the erudite scholar, Prof. A. O. Okhamafe who also hails from Edo North, was appointed Deputy Vice-chancellor (Academics) in August this year is a good pointer to his credentials. But will he advance a step higher, after the series of final interviews that commenced yesterday, to become the new V-oProf. Dickson Ofomata is another outstanding academic and seasoned administrator who has been a household name for quite a while. The fact that the Delta State born academic was among the four reportedly 'searched' out, alongside the aforementioned contenders, places him in good stead for the job. Prof. Anthony U. Osagie is an expert in science with a bias for biochemical studies. He hails from Edo South (Benin) and is currently Vice-chancellor of Igbinedion University. Having made history as the first Vice-chancellor of the private university, where he is presently busy organising its first convocation ceremony, which comes up at the weekend, it was not clear if he entered the race simply to fulfil an ambition cut short when Anao, a professor of Accountancy, emerged V-C in February 1999. Prof. E. Bob Osaze is a financial expert whose research works in Nigerian financial system have been widely acclaimed. He is of Benin extraction, but is said to be tapping into his maternal links to Kano, where the UNIBEN Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Muhammad Sani Zahradeen, incidentally hails from. The Pro-chancellor is an influential member of the search party. Prof Patrick Erhabor is another eminent academic with Benin roots, who is a relation (through marriage) of Governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State. He recently had a stint as Secretary to State Government (SSG). However, his rather unceremonious removal from office has cast a question mark on his administrative prowess in some quarters though his Chairmanship of the UNIBEN Development and Endowment Fund Committee has been regarded as a plus for him. It is noteworthy that Prof Erhabor forwarded a confidential letter of recommendation from the man whose government established the University of Benin in 1970, Brig-General Samuel O. Ogbemudia. However, THISDAY learnt that the letter of recommendation lacks the bite of a similar letter Ogbemudia had earlier written for Prof. Audu. Indeed, Ogbemidia is said to believe, like the Oba of Benin, that appointment into sensitive positions should be based on merit, irrespective of ethnic background, sources said he consented to writing the letter of recommendation for Prof. Erhabor, after an earlier one for Prof. Audu, merely to avoid being misunderstood by his kinsmen who are zealously championing the campaign to have a Benin indigene as Vice-chancellor. As said earlier, there are other eminently qualified professors, beside Profs. Oshodin and Owie, who may have quietly joined the race. The world is waiting for the curtains to fall on the exciting drama. 2.from http://thenewsng.com/nation/tough-battle-for-vc-at-uniben/2009/08. Tough Battle For VC At Uniben August 10, 2009 10:22, 355 views Amidst high level politics, allegations and counter-allegations, candidates fall over one another to become the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin By Yomi Obaditan/Benin The battle for the job of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, began last year, just before the former helmsman, Professor E.A.C Nwanze left office. Six months to the end of his five-year term, Nwanze met with the council of the University over the issue. But, TheNEWS gathered, nothing positive came out of the meeting. Nwanze was particularly unpopular with the local chapter of Academic Staff Union of  Universities, ASUU, which accused him of non-performance. Despite this negative appraisal, Prof Nwanze’s admirers attribute some achievements to his tenure, including academic excellence which saw the University being rated one of the best in the Commonwealth. According to Nwanze’s supporters, during his tenure, new hostels were built, new generators purchased for the university and the battle against cultism was won, at least within the campus. When his term came to an end on 9 February 2009, his critics, especially the local chapter of ASUU, rose against the appointment of one of  Nwanze’s loyalists, Professor Uche Gbenedio, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, as Acting VC. They accused Prof. Nwanze of imposing his loyalist on the institution. While the ASUU members rose against the appointment, Prof. Nwanze denied having a hand in her appointment, claiming it was done by the Education Minister. Even though the Minister could approve the acting VC’s appointment, he must rely on the recommendation of the University Council for his ratification. Despite the protest against her appointment, many believe that the Acting VC would have succeeded, if she had humbly appealed to the UNIBEN chapter of ASUU as well as the Council of the University. Instead, she maintained a confrontational attitude towards the University’s egg heads. The battle came to a head on 1 April 2009 when Gbenedio was removed from office by the Council of the University on the ground that her appointment as the Acting VC was illegal. The Council members alleged that Prof. Gbenedio was guilty of impersonation, withholding information from superior authorities and giving false information, thus bringing the name of the University into disrepute. She was also alleged to have written a letter to the Minister of Education claiming that the University Council had resolved the conflict over her appointment in her favour, knowing same to be false. The Council frowned at such attitude and called for disciplinary measures against her and her predecessor. As a follow up, it proceeded to appoint Prof. Emmanuel Kubenyinje of the University Teaching Hospital, UBTH, as Acting VC. He has since resumed duty. Prof. Gbenedio has, however, filed an action in the High Court, Benin, challenging her removal. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has  set up a presidential visitation panel to investigate Prof. Nwanze’s tenure from 2004-2009. The panel is to determine the relationship between the institution and the bodies it interacts with based on the law setting it up, for the purposes of supervision, planning, finance, discipline, guidance etc. It is also mandated to look into the leadership of the institution, in terms of the role of the Governing Council, the Head of the institution and other principal officers at the period. The panel is to look into financial management of the University and investigate the application of funds, particularly special grants and loans for strategic projects. But critics have dismissed the presidential panel as a waste of time. They said that apart from the fact that it was the Minister of Education that set up the panel and not the President, some of the members were VCs like Nwanze. However, the visitation panel has discovered that the sum of N48 million was spent on overseas trips and renovation of the former VC’s official residence within the campus. It was also revealed that Nwanze spent N60.4 million on a convocation ceremony in October 2008. According to the NUC, it is the highest in the history of university convocation ceremonies in Nigeria. A break-down of the expenses presented in the report shows that N16.79 million was spent on convocation gowns, while N18 million was paid for the printing of convocation brochure. However, Prof. Nwanze has denied the allegations. He promised to make his own report known to the panel very soon. Meanwhile, the race for the Vice-Chancellorship is on and top among the contestants are Professor Friday Okonofua of the Faculty of Medicine, an Ishan; Professor Oshodin, Dean of Education; Prof. Eghafona, former Dean of Sciences; Prof. Bob Osaze, Dean of Management Sciences and Prof. Okemen, Dean of Sciences, all Bini. The Bini are determined to ensure that one of their sons becomes the next VC.  The agitation of the Bini for the position has been criticised by several others who argue that the battle for the exalted position should not be ethnicised, but based on merit. from http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/36042-let-prof-nwanze.html. 3.Let Prof. Nwanze be Submitted by Giorgio Aug 12, 2009 Let Prof. Nwanze be Introduction As Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor E.A.C. Nwanze was a paragon of excellence, who impacted positively on the University. The accolades, encomiums and the several awards he won for himself and the University of Benin in his 5 years of undiluted service point to the fact that indeed Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze was a round peg in a round hole, that he was not a mediocre and that the panel of assessors who rated him as the first and best among the other contestants for the position of Vice Chancellor were not mistaken. PROFESSOR E.A.C. NWANZE AND HIS DETRACTORS Regrettably, today a certain group of persons are beginning to question the assessment of the panel of assessors and using their own criteria to suggest that someone else who is their own kith and kin ought to have come tops and was denied the position of Vice Chancellorship. This calls to mind our characterization as very bad losers who do not see any fairness in any contest if we are beaten by other contestants. That Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze must be pulled down at all costs because he is from a certain part of the country and not a Bini by tribe makes us weep for our dear country. That the intelligentsia of this country, could be so primordial or sing the tribal war song in such a shameless and nauseating manner so that acts of unbridled misdemeanour in the academic circle, i.e. plagiarism and mutilation of personal records should be eulogised because their kith and kin are involved makes us wonder whether there is hope for this country. No country will progress when its people decide that the only way to exist is to cover up crimes, distort facts and appeal to base sentiments of their people even when they are fighting a cause that is not noble. The strategy being adopted to intimidate the authorities so that the appointment of the next Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN is from a particular ethnic group will only spell doom for the University and sound the death knell of academic excellence which Professor E.A.C. Nwanze along with his Principal Officers laboured tirelessly to enthrone. WHAT ARE THE ISSUES AND WHO ARE THE DETRACTORS INVOLVED The issues that have made Professor E.A.C. Nwanze incur the wrath and venom of a certain group and in particular the Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin and the Benin Elders from their write ups in the Vanguard editions of March 17, 2009 and June 9, 2009 respectively are that: (i)he is not a Bini man; (ii)he allegedly spear headed the appointment of Prof. Uche Gbenedio as the Acting Vice Chancellor by handing over to her; (iii)that his good works in the University of Benin must be rubbished so long as Bini sons, namely Professor P.E Igbinovia and Mr. Ephraim Ayanru who plagiarized and distorted their personal records, respectively were disciplined after due process was followed. The newspaper publications by the afore-mentioned groups to say the least stood all the known facts on their heads. We owe no one any apology that Professor E.A.C. Nwanze is not a Bini man who did not need the intervention of his people or any other pressure group to realize his legitimate ambition of being the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, which all Professors in that University and beyond are qualified to vie for. Suffice it to say that as a Deltan, Professor Nwanze did not come from the blues to assume the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. Delta and Edo States, not any particular ethnic group in both states, are stakeholders in that University which was built from the resources of the defunct Bendel State now Delta and Edo States, before it was taken over by the Federal Government. We wish to note here with sadness that even other Edos not from Edo South that have been Vice Chancellors have for that reason been classified as non indigenes in their own State. Let it be noted that the location of a Federal University does not give the indigenes of its location the peculiar prerogative to head it. For instance, in the University of Ibadan, the oldest in Nigeria, no Ibadan man has been made Vice Chancellor, no Nsukka man has been made Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the examples can be multiplied. Yet hell has not been let loose as in the case of UNIBEN. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING VICE CHANCELLOR As for the appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor, suffice it to say that due process was followed. We have only heard one side of the story as told and interpreted by the Benin Forum and Benin Elders. Of course, Professor Nwanze has his own side of the story which should be the more authentic one. We have it on the solid assurances of our son, Professor E.A.C. Nwanze, that he played no part whatsoever in the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor. We repeat for emphasis, that our son confirms to us that the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor for UNIBEN was executed entirely between the Executive Secretary of the NUC and the then Minister of Education, Dr. Aja Nwachukwu. In any case, why all the hullabaloo on the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor which as we all know is not a passport for eventually being appointed a Vice Chancellor. It is instructive to note that several months after, the University of Benin is still to have a substantive Vice Chancellor. VICTIMISATION OF BINIS The acts of plagiarism and mutilation of personal records affected two Bini sons. Again, due process was followed in dealing with the matter and Professor Nwanze did not need to consult Benin Forum or Benin Elders. Professor Nwanze has the unassailable facts of these matters. The Senate at the time of Prof. Nwanze has its own; the Board of Enquiry which had Bini member(s) and proved to the hilt the charge of plagiarism against Prof. Igbinovia and others will be stunned to see how the facts are being twisted. The Police Report is available. What is more, the students of the University, particularly the students of the Department of Sociology who unearthed this unethical behaviour of Professor P.E Igbinovia and his group who were selling the plagiarised book to them for N1,000.00 per copy are seeking for justice in this matter, and the bedlam being raised by the Benin Forum and Benin Elders is a ploy to cover up the truth. To say the least, the Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin and Benin Elders are not helping Prof. Igbinovia and Mr. Ephraim Ayanru to clear their badly soiled reputation as men without honour and character. THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL For the specific attention of the current Pro-Chancellor, we wish at this juncture to draw attention to the newspaper advertorial titled ‘University of Benin Governing Council (April 2005 – October 2009) Our Score Card’ by Senator (Dr.) Alex Usman Kadiri, Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Benin (April 2005 – 2007) which appeared in ‘This Day’ Newspaper of Monday, March 16, 2009. This was during the tenure of Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze. As would be gleaned from the publication, so much was achieved which could be verified. We, therefore, wish to enjoin the present Pro-Chancellor, Professor M. Jibo to strive to surpass this record during his tenure along with the Vice Chancellor that will work with him. He should try to settle down and be well apprised of the facts of the issues involved rather than take sides and begin to play a role to please the Benin Forum and Benin Elders. We wish you, Prof. M. Jibo a very successful tenure as Pro Chancellor of the University of Benin but you must not capitulate to any pressure or be seen to be paying back a member of the Benin Elders who was instrumental to your appointment as a Professor in the University of Jos. WHO IS PROFESSOR E.A.C. NWANZE Professor E.A.C. Nwanze is a man of character who turned around the fortunes of University of Benin. Very many distinguished personalities both within and outside the University in their assessment submit that the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze as Vice Chancellor was indeed the dawn of a golden era in the annals of the University and they score him exceedingly high in many respects. Some of the ennobling goals which he had passion for include but not limited to:- dogged pursuit of academic excellence, especially in the area of Post University Matriculation Examination which enhanced the quality of students admitted; condemnation of both examination malpractice and sexual harassment which brought some sanity to the University; support for academic research and scholarly discourse which led to the regularity of delivery of Inaugural lectures in the University and shaped the academic landscape; infrastructural development in the University which can easily be attested to by various ongoing and completed building projects; ban of the sale of handouts by Lecturers ; subtle but focused war on cultism which brought about several confessions/renunciations by dreaded ‘cultists’ in the University. The list of achievements is endless. University of Benin during the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze emerged the best University in the country and the 2nd best in the Commonwealth. He was also honoured by all African students as the best Vice Chancellor in 2008. He received the African Leadership Award in Education along with notable personalities such as Dr. E.E. Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, President John Kuffor of Ghana, Salim Salim, former Secretary General of OAU, Moses Ogbe of INEC, Ambassador Abedi Anyim and a host of others in various walks of life. Our former President, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who is not generous with his commendations, acknowledged the superlative performance of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze and joined the ranks of high profile personalities who commended him for his accomplishments. DID PROFESSOR NWANZE MARGINALIZE THE BINIS? The answer is no. A few details will suffice. Out of twenty eight (28) Deans/Directors in the 2008/2009 session, and this was the trend throughout the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze, twenty (20) were of Edo State origin with the Binis having a large proportion. Similarly, out of the thirty nine (39) Professors appointed in the 2004/2005 to 2006/007 sessions, twenty three (23) were from Edo State and thirteen (13) of them Binis. Thirty three (33) of the sixty three (63) appointed Chairpersons of Boards and Committees for a tenure of one or two years with effect from 2008 were from Edo State. In the area of project execution, 7 out of the 10 capital project contractors were of Edo State origin with 5 from Benin alone. With regard to admission of students, Edo State from 2005/2006 to 2007/2008 continued to account for the greatest number of students admitted. Professor Nwanze did not marginalize Binis and he had no reason to do so. PRESIDENTIAL VISITATION Who is afraid of this Panel? Already the impartiality of the Panel is being challenged by the Benin Forum. The fact remains that a Presidential Visitation Panel has been set up to look into the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze. It is only fair that the Panel be allowed to do its job and conclude same. The constitution of this Panel should put everybody’s mind at rest as this is the only civilized manner to handle all the issues that have been raised. While the Panel is still working, it will be wrong to pass any judgment on Professor Nwanze on issues that it will definitely address as evident in some publications on alleged financial impropriety during Professor Nwanze’s tenure traceable to the current Pro-Chancellor of the University. VICTIMIZATION OF PROFESSOR E.A.C. NWANZE Professor E.A.C. Nwanze has been denied his entitlements as an Ex-Vice Chancellor by the present Management of UNIBEN which is being teleguided by some unseen hands. What is more, his personal safety has become a major concern. In Delta State, and in Asaba in particular where Professor Nwanze hails from, Edos have either headed or are heading Federal Institutions eg. Dr. Ulinfoh, former Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba whose tenure ended peacefully and the current Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba in the person of Dr. S.E Erhunmwunsee. We have respected the decisions of the authorities in these appointments and have given your sons in our midst all the support. PERSONAL SAFETY We are appalled at the treatment being meted out to our son, Professor E.A.C. Nwanze. We, therefore, call on the Law Enforcement Agents to guarantee his safety and that of his immediate family so that they do not come to harm in any way which will surely spark off a cataclysm that no one can predict how and when it will end. CHALLENGE TO BENIN FORUM, CEDAR CLUB OF BENIN, BENIN ELDERS AND ASUU, UNIBEN BRANCH LED BY DR. ILAVBARHE It is a pity that Dr. Ilavbarhe is using his privileged position to drag ASUU, UNIBEN branch into this issue which the vast majority of the Union members are opposed to. The actions and publications of Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin, Benin Elders, and the Dr. Ilavbarhe led faction of ASUU, UNIBEN branch have evoked reactions from well meaning Nigerians who are piqued at the level of deviousness/manipulation that can be displayed in a conspiratorial effort to blackmail for selfish ends. Some of the articles/stories to which attention is invited include: (i)‘UNIBEN:- An unprecedented turnaround’ by Abimbola Lagbedu which appeared in The Intellectual, November - December, 2008, pp 14-15; (ii)‘NUC, visitation panel deny link with report on UNIBEN’s expenditure in the Guardian Newspaper of Thursday, May 14, 2009, p. 59; (iii)‘The making of a Benin Vice Chancellor for the University’ by Comrade Ernest Baudu, in The Nation, Friday, June 12, 2009, p. 8; (iv)‘Appointment of Vice Chancellor for UNIBEN’ by Ayinde Ademuyiwu in Compass Newspaper of Friday, June 12, 2009, p. 17; (v)‘UNIBEN:- A descent to blackmail and manipulation’ by Akpesiri Oghenerhaboke in Midwest Times, p. 6; (vi)‘Students stakeholders pay tributes as UNIBEN VC Bows out’ in The Guardian Newspaper of Thursday, 12th February, 2009, p. 47. There are many more which are indicative that many Nigerians condemn the press war started by the Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin, Benin Elders, and Dr. Ilavbarhe led faction of ASUU, UNIBEN Chapter. Our challenge to them is that they should debunk the claims made that Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze was not an outstanding Vice Chancellor and that during his tenure he did not actually turn UNIBEN around for good. We also wish to add that he was a detribalized Nigerian who endeared himself to many Nigerians by his outstanding performance and in particular, the students of UNIBEN who by their various gestures have demonstrated that Professor Nwanze was a man after their own heart CONCLUSION Professor E.A.C. Nwanze has ended his tenure. He placed UNIBEN on a pedestal that should make all well meaning Nigerians proud. We pray as this piece has been captioned - Let Professor E.A.C. Nwanze be. Sir Joe Oni Akaraiwe (KSC, FHNR) National President ASDEV’81 Club July, 2009 .

[toyin adepoju]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <adea...@aol.com>
Date: 2009/9/18
Subject: [Naijaintellects] Re: THE STRUGGLE FOR THE VICE-CHANCELLORSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN:2004 -2009
To: naijain...@googlegroups.com

No truly internationally acclaimed and accomplished scholar will ever 'fight", struggle or lobby to be VC !! What for? If you are truly accomplished, you are either writing books, publishing research or training excellent grad students, reviewing journal artiicles for publications, serving on journal editorial boards, consulting, or attending conferences and giving invited lectures. Those who seek to be VCs in Nigeria today are the not so busy academics. 

 

First rate scholars such as  Prof AOA Animalu, late Prof Benjamin Osuntokun, Prof LA Salako, Professor Susu, Prof Achebe, Prof Wole Soyinka did  not seek to be VCs. I know for a fact that Professor TAI Grillo turned  down VCs offers, and was in fact dragged from UI kicking and screaming by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to found the Ife Medical school. But he insisted on having an Electron microscope at Ife, which he got.

 

Nigeria needs endowed and Prestigious professorships to reward scholarship, and not just a mere administrative position and power that a VC position confers. VC position has become a chopping and largesse distribution position like a Ministerial appointment !

 

We need a return of the 'haughty" and accomplished academics of yore  in our universitiesand not the lobbying and arm twisting to be VC that we see today. But is that achievable , when Professors are paid 10% of what senators and Vcs earn !!!!

Melchizedek

 
-----Original Message-----
From: toyin adepoju <toyin....@googlemail.com>

To: edo-nation <Edo-N...@yahoogroups.com>; nigerianworldforum <NIgerianW...@yahoogroups.com>; nai <naijain...@googlegroups.com>; naijap...@yahoogroups.com; usaafricadialogue <USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>; Nidoa <ni...@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thu, Sep 17, 2009 7:26 pm
Subject: [Naijaintellects] THE STRUGGLE FOR THE VICE-CHANCELLORSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN:2004 -2009

"Delta and Edo States, not any particular ethnic group in both states, are stakeholders in that University which was built from the resources of the defunct Bendel State now Delta and Edo States, before it was taken over by the Federal Government. We wish to note here with sadness that even other Edos not from Edo South that have been Vice Chancellors have for that reason been classified as non indigenes in their own State. Let it be noted that the location of a Federal University does not give the indigenes of its location the peculiar prerogative to head it. For instance, in the University of Ibadan, the oldest in Nigeria, no Ibadan man has been made Vice Chancellor, no Nsukka man has been made Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the examples can be multiplied. Yet hell has not been let loose as in the case of UNIBEN".

from http: //nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/36042-let-prof-nwanze.html

Is this section highlighted by me true?


from http://www.thisdayonline.com/archive/2003/11/26/20031126edu01.html .

1. Dateline: 16/11/2004 07:36:41

UNIBEN: Scheming, Intrigues as Race for V-C Seat Hots Up A silent but fierce struggle is on at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for the position of Vice-Chancellor, which becomes vacant in February next year. Edo State Correspondent, Omon-Julius Onabu examines the intrigues

One of Nigeria's foremost ivory towers, the University of Benin, has, in recent times, assumed the theatre of sundry dramas full of intricate plots and amazing suspense. The dramatis personae? A handful of academic eggheads engaged in desperate plots, scheming and deft subterranean maneuvering to succeed the current Vice-chancellor, Prof Abhulimen Richard Anao . The battle for his successor in February next year might well turn out the best fought race in the 30-year history of the institution. The contenders where scheduled to appear before the screening panel yesterday. The job of a university's Vice-chancellor is not an all-comers affair. It is for a select few among the forest of academic personnel with exceptional track records in their respective chosen fields. Indeed, the qualities demanded of those who may be considered for the esteemed office transcend academic astuteness, dexterity and internationally acclaimed resourcefulness. Firmness of character and versatility in resource management and excellent human relations are qualities keenly sought for in a would be Vice-chancellor, though the strict demand for this ideal academic helmsman had been threatened in the past by military and political exigencies. The race for UNIBEN's next Vice-chancellor has gathered unique momentum essentially because extant federal university laws stipulate a single term of five years, which is not renewable. So, the possible threat of the so-called incumbency factor to aspirants has been eliminated. But race has become no less intriguing. What stands the search for Anao's successor out is rather the methods of some of the candidates in their desperate bid to upstage other contenders to the coveted seat.

Investigations show that some of the candidates would stop at nothing to emerge victorious. Thus, they have thrown academic traditions, etiquette, decorum or finesse out of the window. Ironically, th e published advertisement, placed by the university in August, stated that whoever would be Anao's successor should be a one who is not likely to foster personal, racial, ethnic, political, religious or other sectional interests.

This would appear to be the sore point in the apparently desperate contention for the coveted office in certain quarters, with the ethnic card being brandished in order to curry some favour and gain undue advantage. Following the retirement of the Registrar, Mrs. M.M. Idehen about a year ago, spirited efforts were made by an interest group to dissuade a well qualified Benin indigene and Deputy Registrar in the person of Mr. Ephraim Ayanru, from applying for the job. Sources confirmed that Ayanru was eminently qualified to become the next registrar, but the interest group had pressured him to sacrifice his career for the promotion of some higher noble cause of his native Benin ethnic group. According to an insider, Ayanru was perceived as capable of jeopardizing the chances of a proper Benin man getting the Vice-chancellor's job next year if he succeeded Mrs. Idehen (also a Benin indigene). But Ayanru could not be persuaded. He put himself forward, and claimed the position for which he had all the credentials to take. He was said to have queried why he, a full-blooded Benin man, should sacrifice his career, just to pave the way for another Benin man, also pursuing a chosen career. Interestingly, another Benin man, Mr. H.O. Bazuaye, is the Bursar. Besides, the bursar's kinsmen are also Director, Academic Planning and Deputy Librarian. Those who marvel at the motive for the 'Benin-man-must-emerge V-C' campaign argue that Benin men and women in the university system are presently enjoying a generous share of the lofty positions. They noted that the sons and daughters of the soil also hold sway at the university's teaching hospital, (UBTH), where Dr. Egiegba is Acting Chief Medical Director, a position that was occupied, until the recent crisis there, by Prof. Austin Obasohan, a Benin man. Therefore, the strong agitation by a certain pressure group for a Benin man as Anao's successor, which has seen the names of the Benin monarch, the revered Oba Erediauwa, the first visitor to the University of Benin, Dr. Samuel O. Ogbemudia, and their eminent citizens being dropped to have an edge, has been criticized. However, the pro-Benin advocates have argued that a Delta State indigene Mr. R.A. Williams, was UNIBEN's Registrar when both Prof. Grace Alele-Williams and Prof. Andrew G. Onokerhoraye (both Deltans) served as Vice-chancellor. They are leaving nothing to chance, having set up a powerful lobby group and also ensuring that as many qualified Benin professors as possible are in the race.

A comic, albeit baffling, dimension to the agitation was recently witnessed when a popular Benin based transporter, who is a complete stranger to academic matters, publicly declared that he was leading the campaign to ensure th at only Benin persons are henceforth appointed Vice-chancellor at UNIBEN.

Although, it was not clear which of the several Benin professors in the race he was specifically campaigning for, his argument was that since UNIBEN is on Benin soil, it was unfair not to have had a Benin man as helmsman since its inception. THISDAY gathered, that though the traditional university search party had penciled down about four applicants, out of whom three names would eventually be sent to the President and Visitor to the university for his final consideration and appointment, several other persons from within and outside UNIBEN had put in their applications. At a glance, the list includes, without any ordered pattern, Profs. .E. Bob Osaze, Osayuki Oshodin, Patrick Erhabor, Owie and the current Vice-chancellor of the privately-owned Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Anthony Osagie, Others are Profs T.O.K. Audu, E.A.C. Nwanze, D. Ofomata and A. O. Okhamafe THISDAY checks also revealed that four or five of the applicants for the job are greatly favoured to produce the crucial three names that would eventually be sent for the final consideration of the president of the federation. However, nothing forecloses some last minute alteration of this projection since none of the about 10 known applicants could be labelled as pushovers. However, it was learnt that the search party, a committee of experts, has penciled down just four: PROF T.O.K. Audu is a Chemical Engineer and current Dean, Faculty of Engineering. He is one of the most senior academics in the system. His popularity cuts across the academic, non-academic and students population, and, indeed the international academic and scientific world. He is said to be highly experienced in administration. He once served as a member of the then Bendel State Government Executive Council and hails from Edo North. Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze is a professor of Science who specialises in Biochemistry. He hails from Delta State and needs little introduction in the university and academic circles. He has provided much insight into various diseases that plague mankind and belongs to the privileged class of 'Senior Professors of UNIBEN'. The fact that the erudite scholar, Prof. A. O. Okhamafe who also hails from Edo North, was appointed Deputy Vice-chancellor (Academics) in August this year is a good pointer to his credentials. But will he advance a step higher, after the series of final interviews that commenced yesterday, to become the new V-oProf. Dickson Ofomata is another outstanding academic and seasoned administrator who has been a household name for quite a while. The fact that the Delta State born academic was among the four reportedly 'searched' out, alongside the aforementioned contenders, places him in good stead for the job.

Prof. Anthony U. Osagie is an expert in science with a bias for biochemical studies. He hails from Edo South (Benin) and is currently Vice-chancellor of Igbinedion University. Having made history=2 0as the first Vice-chancellor of the private university, where he is presently busy organising its first convocation ceremony, which comes up at the weekend, it was not clear if he entered the race simply to fulfil an ambition cut short when Anao, a professor of Accountancy, emerged V-C in February 1999.

Prof. E. Bob Osaze is a financial expert whose research works in Nigerian financial system have been widely acclaimed. He is of Benin extraction, but is said to be tapping into his maternal links to Kano, where the UNIBEN Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Muhammad Sani Zahradeen, incidentally hails from. The Pro-chancellor is an influential member of the search party. Prof Patrick Erhabor is another eminent academic with Benin roots, who is a relation (through marriage) of Governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State. He recently had a stint as Secretary to State Government (SSG). However, his rather unceremonious removal from office has cast a question mark on his administrative prowess in some quarters though his Chairmanship of the UNIBEN Development and Endowment Fund Committee has been regarded as a plus for him. It is noteworthy that Prof Erhabor forwarded a confidential letter of recommendation from the man whose government established the University of Benin in 1970, Brig-General Samuel O. Ogbemudia. However, THISDAY learnt that the letter of recommendation lacks the bite of a similar letter Ogbemudia had earlier written for Prof. Audu. Indeed, Ogbemidia is said to believe, like the Oba of Benin, that appointment into sensitive positions should be based on merit, irrespective of ethnic background, sources said he consented to writing the letter of recommendation for Prof. Erhabor, after an earlier one for Prof. Audu, merely to avoid being misunderstood by his kinsmen who are zealously championing the campaign to have a Benin indigene as Vice-chancellor. As said earlier, there are other eminently qualified professors, beside Profs. Oshodin and Owie, who may have quietly joined the race. The world is waiting for the curtains to fall on the exciting drama.

2.from http://thenewsng.com/nation/tough-battle-for-vc-at-uniben/2009/08. Tough Battle For VC At Uniben August 10, 2009 10:22, 355 views Amidst high level politics, allegations and counter-allegations, candidates fall over one another to become the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin By Yomi Obaditan/Benin The battle for the job of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, began last year, just before the former helmsman, Professor E.A.C Nwanze left office. Six months to the end of his five-year term, Nwanze met with the council of the University over the issue. But, TheNEWS gathered, nothing positive came out of the meeting.

Nwanze was particularly u npopular with the local chapter of Academic Staff Union of  Universities, ASUU, which accused him of non-performance.

Despite this negative appraisal, Prof Nwanze’s admirers attribute some achievements to his tenure, including academic excellence which saw the University being rated one of the best in the Commonwealth. According to Nwanze’s supporters, during his tenure, new hostels were built, new generators purchased for the university and the battle against cultism was won, at least within the campus. When his term came to an end on 9 February 2009, his critics, especially the local chapter of ASUU, rose against the appointment of one of  Nwanze’s loyalists, Professor Uche Gbenedio, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, as Acting VC. They accused Prof. Nwanze of imposing his loyalist on the institution. While the ASUU members rose against the appointment, Prof. Nwanze denied having a hand in her appointment, claiming it was done by the Education Minister. Even though the Minister could approve the acting VC’s appointment, he must rely on the recommendation of the University Council for his ratification. Despite the protest against her appointment, many believe that the Acting VC would have succeeded, if she had humbly appealed to the UNIBEN chapter of ASUU as well as the Council of the University.

Instead, she maintained a confrontational attitude towards the University’s egg heads. The battle came to a head on 120April 2009 when Gbenedio was removed from office by the Council of the University on the ground that her appointment as the Acting VC was illegal.

The Council members alleged that Prof. Gbenedio was guilty of impersonation, withholding information from superior authorities and giving false information, thus bringing the name of the University into disrepute. She was also alleged to have written a letter to the Minister of Education claiming that the University Council had resolved the conflict over her appointment in her favour, knowing same to be false. The Council frowned at such attitude and called for disciplinary measures against her and her predecessor. As a follow up, it proceeded to appoint Prof. Emmanuel Kubenyinje of the University Teaching Hospital, UBTH, as Acting VC. He has since resumed duty. Prof. Gbenedio has, however, filed an action in the High Court, Benin, challenging her removal. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has  set up a presidential visitation panel to investigate Prof. Nwanze’s tenure from 2004-2009. The panel is to determine the relationship between the institution and the bodies it interacts with based on the law setting it up, for the purposes of supervision, planning, finance, discipline, guidance etc. It is also mandated to look into the leadership of the institution, in terms of the role of the Governing Council, the Head of the institution and other principal officers at the period.

The panel is to look into financial ma nagement of the University and investigate the application of funds, particularly special grants and loans for strategic projects.

But critics have dismissed the presidential panel as a waste of time. They said that apart from the fact that it was the Minister of Education that set up the panel and not the President, some of the members were VCs like Nwanze. However, the visitation panel has discovered that the sum of N48 million was spent on overseas trips and renovation of the former VC’s official residence within the campus. It was also revealed that Nwanze spent N60.4 million on a convocation ceremony in October 2008. According to the NUC, it is the highest in the history of university convocation ceremonies in Nigeria. A break-down of the expenses presented in the report shows that N16.79 million was spent on convocation gowns, while N18 million was paid for the printing of convocation brochure. However, Prof. Nwanze has denied the allegations. He promised to make his own report known to the panel very soon. Meanwhile, the race for the Vice-Chancellorship is on and top among the contestants are Professor Friday Okonofua of the Faculty of Medicine, an Ishan; Professor Oshodin, Dean of Education; Prof. Eghafona, former Dean of Sciences; Prof. Bob Osaze, Dean of Management Sciences and Prof. Okemen, Dean of Sciences, all Bini.

The Bini are determined to ensure that one of their sons becomes the next VC.  The agitation of the Bin i for the position has been criticised by several others who argue that the battle for the exalted position should not be ethnicised, but based on merit.

from http://nigeriavillagesquare.com/forum/main-square/36042-let-prof-nwanze.html. 3.Let Prof. Nwanze be Submitted by Giorgio Aug 12, 2009 Let Prof. Nwanze be

Introduction As Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor E.A.C. Nwanze was a paragon of excellence, who impacted positively on the University. The accolades, encomiums and the several awards he won for himself and the University of Benin in his 5 years of undiluted service point to the fact that indeed Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze was a round peg in a round hole, that he was not a mediocre and that the panel of assessors who rated him as the first and best among the other contestants for the position of Vice Chancellor were not mistaken. PROFESSOR E.A.C. NWANZE AND HIS DETRACTORS

Regrettably, today a certain group of persons are beginning to question the assessment of the panel20of assessors and using their own criteria to suggest that someone else who is their own kith and kin ought to have come tops and was denied the position of Vice Chancellorship. This calls to mind our characterization as very bad losers who do not see any fairness in any contest if we are beaten by other contestants.

That Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze must be pulled down at all costs because he is from a certain part of the country and not a Bini by tribe makes us weep for our dear country. That the intelligentsia of this country, could be so primordial or sing the tribal war song in such a shameless and nauseating manner so that acts of unbridled misdemeanour in the academic circle, i.e. plagiarism and mutilation of personal records should be eulogised because their kith and kin are involved makes us wonder whether there is hope for this country. No country will progress when its people decide that the only way to exist is to cover up crimes, distort facts and appeal to base sentiments of their people even when they are fighting a cause that is not noble. The strategy being adopted to intimidate the authorities so that the appointment of the next Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN is from a particular ethnic group will only spell doom for the University and sound the death knell of academic excellence which Professor E.A.C. Nwanze along with his Principal Officers laboured tirelessly to enthrone. WHAT ARE THE ISSUES AND WHO ARE THE DETRACTORS INVOLVED

The issues that have made Professor E.A.C. N wanze incur the wrath and venom of a certain group and in particular the Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin and the Benin Elders from their write ups in the Vanguard editions of March 17, 2009 and June 9, 2009 respectively are that:

(i)he is not a Bini man; (ii)he allegedly spear headed the appointment of Prof. Uche Gbenedio as the Acting Vice Chancellor by handing over to her; (iii)that his good works in the University of Benin must be rubbished so long as Bini sons, namely Professor P.E Igbinovia and Mr. Ephraim Ayanru who plagiarized and distorted their personal records, respectively were disciplined after due process was followed.

The newspaper publications by the afore-mentioned groups to say the least stood all the known facts on their heads. We owe no one any apology that Professor E.A.C. Nwanze is not a Bini man who did not need the intervention of his people or any other pressure group to realize his legitimate ambition of being the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, which all Professors in that University and beyond are qualified to vie for. Suffice it to say that as a Deltan, Professor Nwanze did not come from the blues to assume the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. Delta and Edo States, not any particular ethnic group in both states, are stakeholders in that University which was built from the resources of the defunct Bendel State now Delta and Edo States, before it was taken over by the Federal Government. We wish to note here with sadness that=2 0even other Edos not from Edo South that have been Vice Chancellors have for that reason been classified as non indigenes in their own State. Let it be noted that the location of a Federal University does not give the indigenes of its location the peculiar prerogative to head it. For instance, in the University of Ibadan, the oldest in Nigeria, no Ibadan man has been made Vice Chancellor, no Nsukka man has been made Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the examples can be multiplied. Yet hell has not been let loose as in the case of UNIBEN.

APPOINTMENT OF ACTING VICE CHANCELLOR

As for the appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor, suffice it to say that due process was followed. We have only heard one side of the story as told and interpreted by the Benin Forum and Benin Elders. Of course, Professor Nwanze has his own side of the story which should be the more authentic one. We have it on the solid assurances of our son, Professor E.A.C. Nwanze, that he played no part whatsoever in the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor. We repeat for emphasis, that our son confirms to us that the appointment of an acting Vice Chancellor for UNIBEN was executed entirely between the Executive Secretary of the NUC and the then Minister of Education, Dr. Aja Nwachukwu. In any case, why all the hullabaloo on the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor which as we all know is not a passport for eventually being appointed a Vice Chancellor. It is instructive to note that several mo nths after, the University of Benin is still to have a substantive Vice Chancellor.

VICTIMISATION OF BINIS The acts of plagiarism and mutilation of personal records affected two Bini sons. Again, due process was followed in dealing with the matter and Professor Nwanze did not need to consult Benin Forum or Benin Elders. Professor Nwanze has the unassailable facts of these matters. The Senate at the time of Prof. Nwanze has its own; the Board of Enquiry which had Bini member(s) and proved to the hilt the charge of plagiarism against Prof. Igbinovia and others will be stunned to see how the facts are being twisted. The Police Report is available. What is more, the students of the University, particularly the students of the Department of Sociology who unearthed this unethical behaviour of Professor P.E Igbinovia and his group who were selling the plagiarised book to them for N1,000.00 per copy are seeking for justice in this matter, and the bedlam being raised by the Benin Forum and Benin Elders is a ploy to cover up the truth. To say the least, the Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin and Benin Elders are not helping Prof. Igbinovia and Mr. Ephraim Ayanru to clear their badly soiled reputation as men without honour and character. THE PRO-CHANCELLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL

For the specific attention of the current Pro-Chancellor, we wish at this juncture to draw attention to the newspaper advertorial titled ‘University of Benin Governing Council (April 2005 – October 2009) Our Score Card8 0 by Senator (Dr.) Alex Usman Kadiri, Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Benin (April 2005 – 2007) which appeared in ‘This Day’ Newspaper of Monday, March 16, 2009. This was during the tenure of Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze. As would be gleaned from the publication, so much was achieved which could be verified. We, therefore, wish to enjoin the present Pro-Chancellor, Professor M. Jibo to strive to surpass this record during his tenure along with the Vice Chancellor that will work with him. He should try to settle down and be well apprised of the facts of the issues involved rather than take sides and begin to play a role to please the Benin Forum and Benin Elders. We wish you, Prof. M. Jibo a very successful tenure as Pro Chancellor of the University of Benin but you must not capitulate to any pressure or be seen to be paying back a member of the Benin Elders who was instrumental to your appointment as a Professor in the University of Jos.

WHO IS PROFESSOR E.A.C. NWANZE Professor E.A.C. Nwanze is a man of character who turned around the fortunes of University of Benin. Very many distinguished personalities both within and outside the University in their assessment submit that the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze as Vice Chancellor was indeed the dawn of a golden era in the annals of the University and they score him exceedingly high in many respects. Some of the ennobling goals which he had passion for include but not limited to:-

dogged pur suit of academic excellence, especially in the area of Post University Matriculation Examination which enhanced the quality of students admitted;

condemnation of both examination malpractice and sexual harassment which brought some sanity to the University; support for academic research and scholarly discourse which led to the regularity of delivery of Inaugural lectures in the University and shaped the academic landscape; infrastructural development in the University which can easily be attested to by various ongoing and completed building projects; ban of the sale of handouts by Lecturers ; subtle but focused war on cultism which brought about several confessions/renunciations by dreaded ‘cultists’ in the University. The list of achievements is endless. University of Benin during the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze emerged the best University in the country and the 2nd best in the Commonwealth. He was also honoured by all African students as the best Vice Chancellor in 2008. He received the African Leadership Award in Education along with notable personalities such as Dr. E.E. Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, President John Kuffor of Ghana, Salim Salim, former Secretary General of OAU, Moses Ogbe of INEC, Ambassador Abedi Anyim and a host of others in various walks of life. Our former President, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who is not generous with his commendations, acknowledged the superlative performance of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze and joined the ranks of high profile personalities who commended him for his accomplishments. DID PROFESSOR NWANZE MARGINALIZE THE BINIS? The answer is no. A few details will suffice. Out of twenty eight (28) Deans/Directors in the 2008/2009 session, and this was the trend throughout the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze, twenty (20) were of Edo State origin with the Binis having a large proportion. Similarly, out of the thirty nine (39) Professors appointed in the 2004/2005 to 2006/007 sessions, twenty three (23) were from Edo State and thirteen (13) of them Binis. Thirty three (33) of the sixty three (63) appointed Chairpersons of Boards and Committees for a tenure of one or two years with effect from 2008 were from Edo State. In the area of project execution, 7 out of the 10 capital project contractors were of Edo State origin with 5 from Benin alone. With regard to admission of students, Edo State from 2005/2006 to 2007/2008 continued to account for the greatest number of students admitted. Professor Nwanze did not marginalize Binis and he had no reason to do so. PRESIDENTIAL VISITATION

Who is afraid of this Panel? Already the impartiality of the Panel is being challenged by the Benin Forum. The fact remains that a Presidential Visitation Panel has been set up to look into the tenure of Professor E.A.C. Nwanze. It is only fair that the Panel be allowed to do its job and conclude same. The constitution of this Panel should put everybody’s mind at rest as this is the only civilized manner to handle all the issues that have been rai sed. While the Panel is still working, it will be wrong to pass any judgment on Professor Nwanze on issues that it will definitely address as evident in some publications on alleged financial impropriety during Professor Nwanze’s tenure traceable to the current Pro-Chancellor of the University.

VICTIMIZATION OF PROFESSOR E.A.C. NWANZE Professor E.A.C. Nwanze has been denied his entitlements as an Ex-Vice Chancellor by the present Management of UNIBEN which is being teleguided by some unseen hands. What is more, his personal safety has become a major concern. In Delta State, and in Asaba in particular where Professor Nwanze hails from, Edos have either headed or are heading Federal Institutions eg. Dr. Ulinfoh, former Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba whose tenure ended peacefully and the current Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba in the person of Dr. S.E Erhunmwunsee. We have respected the decisions of the authorities in these appointments and have given your sons in our midst all the support. PERSONAL SAFETY We are appalled at the treatment being meted out to our son, Professor E.A.C. Nwanze. We, therefore, call on the Law Enforcement Agents to guarantee his safety and that of his immediate family so that they do not come to harm in any way which will surely spark off a cataclysm that no one can predict how and when it will end. CHALLENGE TO BENIN FORUM, CEDAR CLUB OF BENIN, BENIN ELDERS AND ASUU, UNIBEN BRANCH LED BY DR. ILAVBARHE

It is a pity that Dr.20Ilavbarhe is using his privileged position to drag ASUU, UNIBEN branch into this issue which the vast majority of the Union members are opposed to. The actions and publications of Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin, Benin Elders, and the Dr. Ilavbarhe led faction of ASUU, UNIBEN branch have evoked reactions from well meaning Nigerians who are piqued at the level of deviousness/manipulation that can be displayed in a conspiratorial effort to blackmail for selfish ends. Some of the articles/stories to which attention is invited include:

(i)‘UNIBEN:- An unprecedented turnaround’ by Abimbola Lagbedu which appeared in The Intellectual, November - December, 2008, pp 14-15; (ii)‘NUC, visitation panel deny link with report on UNIBEN’s expenditure in the Guardian Newspaper of Thursday, May 14, 2009, p. 59; (iii)‘The making of a Benin Vice Chancellor for the University’ by Comrade Ernest Baudu, in The Nation, Friday, June 12, 2009, p. 8; (iv)‘Appointment of Vice Chancellor for UNIBEN’ by Ayinde Ademuyiwu in Compass Newspaper of Friday, June 12, 2009, p. 17; (v)‘UNIBEN:- A descent to blackmail and manipulation’ by Akpesiri Oghenerhaboke in Midwest Times, p. 6; (vi)‘Students stakeholders pay tributes as UNIBEN VC Bows out’ in The Guardian Newspaper of Thursday, 12th February, 2009, p. 47.

There are many more which are indicative that many Nigerians condemn the press war started by the Benin Forum, Cedar Club of Benin, Benin Elders, and Dr. Ilavba rhe led faction of ASUU, UNIBEN Chapter. Our challenge to them is that they should debunk the claims made that Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze was not an outstanding Vice Chancellor and that during his tenure he did not actually turn UNIBEN around for good. We also wish to add that he was a detribalized Nigerian who endeared himself to many Nigerians by his outstanding performance and in particular, the students of UNIBEN who by their various gestures have demonstrated that Professor Nwanze was a man after their own heart

CONCLUSION Professor E.A.C. Nwanze has ended his tenure. He placed UNIBEN on a pedestal that should make all well meaning Nigerians proud. We pray as this piece has been captioned - Let Professor E.A.C. Nwanze be. Sir Joe Oni Akaraiwe (KSC, FHNR) National President ASDEV’81 Club July, 2009

.

[toyin adepoju]

The argument of the "haughty academic" is impressive but is it not possible to seek the VCship on account of a vision that one wants to actualise? True,the economic situation in Nigeria is not particularly helpful to maintaining one's distance from positions that can boost one's income.

At the same time,however,even though I consider the insistence on a Bini candidate or ethnicity in appointing a VC anywhere to be retrogressive because ethnicity  is not an academic or managerial qualification ,of the candidates who applied for the post,the two names most easily recognisable to me are Bini scholars whom I deeply admire:Bob Osaze and Okiemen.From my time at Uniben I understand them as two very refined people who are quintessential  academics.Osaze demonstrated the qualities of  an academic's academic,active in journal and book publication even in an environment that was juast beginning to grow  in book authorship.He was also able to augment his income through his academic knowledge through grants and consultancies.He was debonair and aloof from politics.I can still visualise him with his pipe  (if I remember well) and his cherubic face.He formed part of a core of lecturers in the  Department of Business Administration who seemed larger than their university roles.I think this is his website:Bofic Consulting.They were those who founded entrepreneurship as a Uniben academic program for all students to help stem unemployment by creating a bridge between knowledge and practice.

Okiemen was not only impressive as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor,he was known as a highly accomplished academic.I know less about him beceause he is in the sciences while Osaze is the social sciences,closer to my own department in the arts.Its true,however,that his name was never associated with the squabbling that attends power struggles.He seemed to have fallen foul of the terrible political cross currents at play in the university under Onokheroraye's VCship in which he was deputy when,as the story goes, he was  ssaulted in his own home.One account goes that he lost out in the last VCship race on account of personal issues.But similar personal issues did not prevent Onokheroraye's VCship earlier.This is not verified anyway.Just word of mouth.He remains someone I admire and who embodies some of my best memories of Uniben.

Whatever the truth might be about claims that Binis have been manoeuvred out of Uniben VCship over the years-which is one perspective on the issue-it is a great shame that the candidacy of such scholars as Okiemen and Osaze is involved in a race in which,even if they do get the job,the suspicion of ethnicity as being a central factor will always linger on account of the vigorous campaign mounted in favour of supposedly ending Bini marginalisation in that post.The more helpful option,in the long run,is to mount a thoroughgoing enquiry that will establish transparency and due process in all appointments.

These are scholars who would succeed anywhere.

2009/9/18 toyin adepoju <toyin....@googlemail.com>