......28 Eminent Professors Face Selection Panel Today
In a highly anticipated development that will shape the future of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), 28 distinguished scholars have gathered today, August 3rd, 2025, for a crucial stage in the process of selecting the university’s next Vice-Chancellor. The candidates, drawn from various faculties and backgrounds, will be individually interviewed and assessed by a five-man Selection Committee charged with the task of recommending the most suitable candidate for the prestigious position.
The lineup of candidates includes a blend of accomplished male and female academics, spanning fields such as Law, Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, and the Humanities. Notable names on the list include Prof Benedict Mbam, Prof Nnnanyelugo Okoro, Prof Hillary Edoga, Prof Felix Asogwa, Prof Emmanuel Ibezim, and three esteemed female professors from the Faculty of Law, UNN Enugu Campus—Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Ezeilo, Prof (Mrs) Edith Nwosu, and Prof Simon Otuanya.
Others vying for the position are: Prof Ogbonnaya Okoro, Prof S. I. Ofoefule, Prof Augustine Nweze, Prof Ikechukwu Oluka, Prof (Mrs) Egodi Uchendu, Prof F. I. Ugwowo, Prof U. A. Anyaehie, Prof Charles Eze, Prof Athanasius Eze, Prof Val Ekechukwu, Prof Romanus Ezeokonkwo, Prof Daniel Nwachukwu, Prof Jerry Ugwuanyi, Prof Obi Njoku, Prof Johnson Urama, Prof (Mrs) Uchenna Odoh, Prof Emenike Ejiogu, and Prof (Mrs) P. O. Osadebe.
The interviews are being conducted by a Selection Committee chaired by Engr. Kayode Ojo, and composed of four other prominent individuals: Hon. Tahir Mamman, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odo, Prof Uju Umoh, and Prof Elsie Umeano. Notably, two of the committee members—Prof Umoh and Prof Umeano—are women, highly respected for their integrity, intellect, and professionalism.
Each candidate will be assessed independently on their academic records, leadership potential, administrative experience, vision for the university, and personal integrity. Members of the committee will grade each interviewee based on individual merit, ensuring a transparent and fair process.
Despite speculations and emotional reactions from some observers, the Vice-Chancellor selection process at UNN is not an electoral contest. Each candidate is evaluated on their own track, and no one individual undermines or sabotages the chances of another. In fact, the atmosphere among the aspirants has been described as collegial and respectful, with many seen exchanging notes, laughing, and encouraging one another as true colleagues and friends.
Interestingly, two of the candidates hail from the same community—Ovoko—and are known to be close, residing opposite each other and having inspired each other's academic journey. Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area is also represented by three candidates, including one of the distinguished women contesting the post.
As the selection process unfolds, the university community and the general public await with great interest the eventual recommendation of the Selection Committee. Whoever emerges as the 16th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria will be entrusted with the enormous responsibility of steering the institution into a new era of excellence, innovation, and global relevance.
