A Federal High Court in Enugu has restrained the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), from conducting its convocation election until a lawsuit concerning alleged procedural violations is resolved. The suit was filed by several aspirants who claim that the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu, violated the university’s Standing Orders of Proceedings for the convocation election.
The plaintiffs allege that Professor Chigbu changed certain election procedures without convening a properly constituted convocation meeting. On November 7, 2024, the university had published procedures for the election, which included the selection of convocation representatives to the university’s governing council. However, while the university registrar was away on official duties, Professor Chigbu reportedly issued a new set of procedures on November 21, 2024, which did not align with the previous publication or the standing orders of the convocation. This action has been criticized by members of the university as an attempt to favor a close associate of the Vice Chancellor.
According to the Standing Orders, no part of the convocation proceedings can be altered by any individual, including the Vice Chancellor, without a meeting where the proposed changes are approved by a two-thirds majority. Sources within the university noted that these procedural changes, which bypassed the established rules, prompted the aspirants to seek legal intervention.
During the court hearing on November 28, 2024, the plaintiffs presented evidence that the court processes had been duly served to all relevant parties, including Professor Chigbu and the university’s governing body. The judge adjourned the case but emphasized that the university, as a federal institution, must adhere to the legal process and refrain from proceeding with any actions related to the election while the matter is pending. The judge also remarked that it was inappropriate for the university to continue with the contested election process given that the case was before the court.
One of the plaintiffs, who spoke anonymously, called on the university's Pro-Chancellor, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), to ensure that the election follows the proper procedures and that any attempts to subvert the process are stopped. The plaintiff also criticized the Vice Chancellor’s consultation with "stakeholders" to change the election standing orders, calling it a fraudulent tactic, as the stakeholders are not a recognized body of the university.
There are concerns that the election process, as currently managed by Professor Chigbu, may be tainted by ulterior motives. Furthermore, questions have been raised about the integrity of the company hired to oversee the online registration and voting, ARROW FAST LIMITED, which is reported to have no prior experience in managing such projects.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Barrister C. D. Eze, emphasized that the court’s decision will govern any actions related to the election, as the university has been duly notified of the case. Although an injunction was not granted at the hearing, the court confirmed that the election process cannot continue while the case is active.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 15, 2025.
