The Rivers State government has challenged the lecturers of Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) to seek legal action against her if the re-appointment of Prof. Barineme Fakae as the Vice Chancellor of RSUST was wrong.
The Rivers State governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi threw the challenge in Germany in reaction to the decision of the national body of ASUU to support the RSUST lecturers in their action, asserting that RSUST was governed by state law and not under the authority of the national body of ASUU.
In the meantime, lecturers of the said university have vowed to continue with their industrial action until the Rivers State governor renounces the re-appointment of Prof. Fakae.
Dr. Felix Igwe RSUST branch chairman of ASUU maintained that an incumbent Vice Chancellor could not be reappointed without following due process.
Meanwhile Gov. Amaechi has pointed out that striking lecturers in RSUST would not be paid salary, adding that the reappointment of Prof. Barineme Fakae as the Vice Chancellor of the University was done legally. The Gov. expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of lecturers of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).
However, the Registrar, Daba Odimabo has directed students of the institution to continue with their normal academic activities and prepare for their 2nd semester’s exams on Monday 17th September, 2012, directing yhe staff to go about their normal duties in order to achieve the founding fathers’ dream of the university for the sake of their children and their future, warning that the current academic calendar will not be changed.
When The Newswriter visited the university some students told our reporter they are confused and divided because they really never knew the group to follow.
”We do not know which group to follow, whether the one that say we should prepare for exams or ASUU,” they stated.
The Newswriter gathered, as at the time of compiling this report, that the Governor, Rt. Hon Amaechi, has formally confirmed the appointment of Prof. Fakae as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology on the 9th September 2012 despite the agitations.
Gov. Amaechi dropped this statement in an interview on Lagos TV, on Monday 3rd 2012, maintaining that ASUU has no power to direct him on who to appoint for the Vice Chancellorship post. He further remarked that most of the professors due for VC’s appointment eventually became members of the Nomination Committee, which did the nomination.
His remark was expressed by Justice Karibi Whyte, chairman of the nomination committee, debunking insinuations that the process of the selection of the RSUST Vice Chancellor was manipulated to favour Prof. Fakae, adding that the selection followed due process, as nine candidates applied for the post of Vice Chancellor.
Justice Whyte further claimed that all the candidates were screened out because of sharp practices while denying any publication of Prof. Lale Onuegbu and Ahiakwu as the successful candidates during the selection and screening processes.
In the meantime the chairman of ASUU of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Ugochukwu Agi has questioned the decision of the chairman of the selection and screening committee, Justice Karibo Whyte to go ahead with the screening having noticed sharp practices in the process.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has commended the level of infrastructural and academic development of RSUST. The Vice President, Dauda Muhammed made the recommendation when he visited the institution with student delegates and the executive of National Association of Nigerian Students.
He maintained that he was satisfied with the level of development, claiming that students did not complain about their welfare, infrastructural development and academic standard and advised the Vice Chancellor to continue his developmental strides. He however appealed to RSUST lecturers to consider the students and return to dialogue.
The Newswriter investigation revealed that RSUST branch of ASUU lost out in a legal battle filed against the appointment of Fakae in 2008, adding that Prof. Fakae has ensured 100% accreditation of courses and has succeeded in raising the ranking of RSUST to the 19th best University in Nigeria since his appointment in 2008.
The Newswriter further learnt that three professors, namely, Ndowa Lale, Bernard Onuegbu and Joshua Ahiaku had accused the State Governor of returning Fakae as the Vice Chancellor at all costs. In a press briefing they maintained that Prof. Fakae’s appointment did not follow due process.
They buttressed that Justice Whyte and his hench-men did everything they could to return Fakae as the second term vice chancellor, pointing out that he (Justice Karibi Whyte) was under pressure by the visitor, that is the executive governor of Rivers State to succeed himself as vice chancellor.
Our correspondent further gathered that an interest group called Concerned Staff of RSUST led by Comr. Tom Ikiri has appealed that lecturers should not allow the re-appointment of Prof. Fakae ruin the system, rather they should concern themselves with more welfare matters, pointing out that Prof. Fakae was ever willing to work with the union.
Another group that has also thrown its weight behind the restoration of peace, was the Alumni Association, RSUST branch, led by one Gladden Nwoka.
“For the sake of continuity and for peace let us forgive one another. Let’s forget the past and any reappointment and forge ahead,” the Alumini advised, adding that they would kick against the exams because the students have not learnt on and all past graduates of the school should be on their knees for fasting and prayer. ###
Bennett James
