State University Vice Chancellors Under Threat from Governors and Wives, Warns Ex-VC Nwajiuba

Pressure, Political Influence, and ASUU Disputes Making University Leadership “Treacherous”

Former Vice Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Professor Chinedu Nwajiuba, has raised alarms over the precarious position of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in Nigeria’s public universities.

Speaking at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike on Tuesday, during a lecture in honour of outgoing VC Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Nwajiuba highlighted the immense political pressures facing university leaders.

“For the VC of a State University, your master is often the State Governor—sometimes even his wife or children—who can terminate your appointment depending on how they feel, forgetting that staff salaries must be paid,” he said.

He further noted that many VCs are developing high blood pressure due to tensions surrounding Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU matters, and stressed that Federal University leaders also face pressures from the Presidency, the National Universities Commission, ad hoc National Assembly Committees, and the Federal Character Commission.

“It has become treacherous to be a Vice Chancellor. VCs are losing respect because of their involvement in elections as Returning Officers. They should no longer be deployed for such roles,” Nwajiuba added, lamenting that many academics are unaware of the political intrigues influencing Nigerian higher education.

He commended Professor Iwe for fostering unity and maintaining strong relationships with staff during his five-year tenure, calling it a model of effective university leadership amidst challenging circumstances.