OPINION: UNICAL VC SELECTION: A TESTAMENT TO TRANSPARENCY AND DUE PROCESS
By James OJONG
As an independent observer and keen follower of developments in the University of Calabar, I am impressed by the unbiased disposition and fairness of the University Governing Council in ensuring a transparent process for the selection of a new Vice Chancellor.
The recent controversy surrounding the selection criteria has been laid to rest, thanks to the swift and wise actions of the Governing Council.
Recall the recent event where Medical Consultants with medical fellowship certificates, expressed concerns about alleged exclusion from the Vice Chancellor race.
The Governing Council, in its wisdom, quickly addressed the impasse by ensuring that they were duly included and allowed to run without any fear of disqualifications. This move demonstrates the Council's commitment to fairness and inclusivity.
The 10-year Professorial experience isn't new and it's the benchmark recommended by National University Commission in its guidelines for the Selection of Vice Chancellors. Many other Universities are adhering to this guidelines and University of Calabar has toed the same line. Besides, the University should be progressing upwardly at 50 rather than lowering the standards to in order to satisfy some people's whims
and caprices.
The Governing Council's stance on the selection process is clear and states thus: all candidates will be treated equally, without bias or prejudice, and every qualified candidate will be given due consideration. By swiftly responding to the concerns of the Medical lecturers and following recommended guidelines of the NUC, the Council has made it crystal clear that it has no anointed candidate, and all aspirants will be given equal opportunity to showcase their credentials, what they have for the university and compete for the position.
Through a fair and transparent process, the University Management, Governing Council and the public are confident that a competent person will emerge who will lead the institution to greater heights.
As a keen observer of developments in the University of Calabar, I share this confidence, given the Council's commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the selection process.
It is essential for all stakeholders to maintain decorum and support the Governing Council in its avowed determination to ensure a transparent process. Casting aspersions, making unsavory remarks, and resorting to cyberbullying will not augur well for the University.
The recent malicious publication alleging unfair selection criteria is an attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and undermine the university's processes.
However, the Governing Council's swift response has put paid to such claims, and the university community can be rest assured that the selection process is being conducted in a fair, transparent, and merit-based manner.
Taking legal action against a process that is following all laid down rules smacks of ignorance and a deliberate attempt to drag the hard-earned reputation of the University in the mud. Whatever action is taken by those, who feel they are not being carried along, rubs off on the image of the University to which they belong.
The University of Calabar's Governing Council deserves commendation for its unbiased disposition and fairness in ensuring a transparent process for the selection of a new Vice Chancellor. I urge the Governing Council to stand firm and insist on doing the right thing, no matter whose ox is gored. This is the time.
I implore the university community and stakeholders to allow the process to run its course and refrain from making unfounded allegations.
_James OJONG is a concerned citizen, who wrote from Calabar
_NOTE that this opinion doesn't reflect the official position/ view of THE BEAGLE NEWS._
