20th December, 2013
Administrative and academic activities were paralysed at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) on Friday as the workers protested the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor for the institution.
The federal government on Thursday appointed Mr Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) as the new pro-chancellor/chairman of the governing council of the UNN, following the suspension of its former one, Dr Emeka Enejere.
The protesters comprising members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) marched round the campus singing solidarity songs in support of Enejere.
Addressing the protesters, the Chairman of the UNN branch of ASUU, Mr Ifeanyi Abada, demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of Enejere.
Abada urged the federal government to give reasons for the suspension of the former pro- chancellor.
“We reject any appointment of a new pro-chancellor until the government tells the public the crime committed by the suspended council chairman. We do not have any problem with the pro-chancellor,’’ he said.
The NASU Chairman, Mr Godfrey Ugwu, said the staff had resolved to continue the protest until the government reinstated the suspended pro-chancellor.
Mr Anthony Onwu of NAAT wondered why the government did not consult the relevant unions in the university before taking its decision.
The protesters were decked in black dresses during the protest.