Support for Nsukka Vice Chancellor: Kpokotenu Nsukka Appeals to President Tinubu
A socio-cultural pressure group under the umbrella of ‘Kpokotenu Nsukka’ has officially appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support the emergence of an Nsukka Vice Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). This call for support comes as a significant step in advocating for local representation within the university’s leadership.
The group expressed that the position of UNN VC has eluded the people of the Nsukka cultural zone for far too long, despite their community being a peaceful host to the university for over six decades. This ongoing oversight is viewed as an inequity that the Kpokotenu Nsukka group aims to rectify.
In a recent communique endorsed by the Director General of Kpokotenu Nsukka, Ozo Ejike Okpe, the group highlighted their commitment to ensuring that an Nsukka individual is appointed as Vice Chancellor, advocating for the interests of their community in the academic realm.
The Call for Support and Inclusion
The group also called for the support of Governor Peter Mbah and other influential stakeholders across Nigeria to ensure that their goal is realized. The inclusion of an Nsukka man or woman in the VC position would not only serve justice but would also enhance the university’s connection with its host community.
They stated, “It is time for Nsukka to produce the next Vice Chancellor of UNN,” emphasizing that the community possesses numerous qualified candidates ready to lead the university into a new era of excellence.
Part of the communique read: “Kpokotenu Nsukka prays every eligible voter and critical stakeholder in the process of electing a VC for UNN, including the Governing Council, to support and vote for an Enugu North Senatorial District candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice.” This highlights the community’s commitment to promoting a candidate from their region.
Furthermore, the group implored President Tinubu to assist in ensuring that the next Vice Chancellor of UNN comes from Nsukka, noting the long-standing neglect of the area in this significant leadership role. They reiterated, “The Nsukka people have made sacrifices by hosting the university and providing a conducive environment for learning and growth.”
The committee for the actualization of an Nsukka Vice Chancellor of Nsukka extraction has appointed Pastor Chinwike Amoke as the chairman, with Comrade Favour Amuka serving as the Director of the Secretariat. This committee is tasked with mobilizing support and advocating for the necessary changes to realize their goal.
In conclusion, Kpokotenu Nsukka remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the University of Nigeria recognizes the contributions of the Nsukka people. As the host community, they believe it is time for the university to honor its legacy by appointing an Nsukka son or daughter to the prestigious position of Vice Chancellor, thus empowering the local population and fostering deeper ties between the university and its surroundings.
