A fresh wave of uncertainty has engulfed the University of Uyo following the collapse of the process to appoint a substantive Vice-Chancellor.

The current imbroglio leaves the institution in comma thereby, creating administrative vacuum and heightening tensions among its governing structures since the exit of the outgone VC, Prof. Nyaudoh Ukpabio Ndaeyo on November 30, 2025

The troubled process reached a breaking point after the nomination of Prof. Unyanga, reportedly forwarded by Prof. Offiong, was formally annulled, nullifying the only existing internal proposition for the university’s top office.

With the nomination voided, all responsibilities associated with the placeholder office were declared extinguished, effectively freezing the activities of the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors who can only act under the authority of a Vice-Chancellor.

In an unusual administrative turn, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa has now been handed the responsibility to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor; a move seen by critical stakeholders or observers as both legally permissible and politically sensitive.

Until the ministerial appointment is made, senior administrative officers including the DVCs remain unable to undertake statutory duties tied to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Meanwhile, inside the Governing Council, momentum towards the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor has stalled.

The University Council, sources within the institution confirmed that the body cannot fix a date for candidates interview because it is still awaiting the nomination of one additional external Council member, whose presence is required to meet statutory composition for such a critical decision to be made.

The unfolding situation has further coincided with a new wave of scrutiny into the institution’s financial management under the former administrator, as forensic audit of the university’s accounts is allegedly scheduled to commence this week.

This development, insiders say is unrelated to the leadership tussle but which nonetheless intensifies pressure on the administration.

This Reporter learned that, a detailed legal brief on the University of Uyo’s hierarchy enshrined in the University of Uyo Act (1991) and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993, amended in 2003 and 2012 makes it clear that, the university operates under an explicit statutory order of seniority.

According to the Acts, the Vice-Chancellor is the undisputed chief executive of the university, followed in rank by the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrar, Bursar, and University Librarian.

Below these principal officers are the Provosts, Deans, and Heads of Departments.

Under these laws, an Acting Vice-Chancellor must be appointed to maintain continuity of administration, hence the current dependence on the Minister’s intervention.

Sources familiar with the process described a convergence of legal, procedural, and internal governance hurdles as reasons, why the earlier appointment of Prof. Unyanga, an ordinary office holder at a time from the Faculty of Education failed.

Annulment of Prof. Unyanga’s nomination removed the only candidate previously put forward for interim leadership by a cabal loyal to the former VC.

The placeholder office is now void, leaving the DVCs without authority to act, thereby making the Council incomplete, and lacking the required external member necessary to proceed with VC interviews.

An anonymous within the University, who spoke on annulment of Prof. Unyanga as the Acting VC said, “Statutory hierarchy prohibits improvisation, leaving no officer legally empowered to step in without ministerial authorization”.

The source stated, “the result is a leadership vacuum that, while temporary, has immobilized core administrative activities in the university”.

Our Correspondent observed that, while looking ahead the campus community for now waits on two decisive events to unfold; the Minister’s appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor, which will restore administrative order; and the completion of the Governing Council’s composition, paving the way for a substantive VC selection process.

Until these actions occur, UNIUYO remains effectively in a holding pattern, its governance suspended, its leadership structure frozen, and its financial systems about to be examined under a forensic lens.

The further said, “The Senate has failed multiple times to nominate an acting Vice-Chancellor for UNIUYO. Three attempts to agree on a candidate were unsuccessful, leading to apparent institutional tension and a stalemate in leadership transition.

“The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Anthonia Essien, was nominated but Senate rejected the nomination before the cabal loyal to the former VC appointed Prof. Unyanga that was eventually annulled.

Meanwhile, strong contenders for the VC’s so far include; Professor of Economics, Chris Ekong who is the current Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences.

He is known to be a strong academic leader within UNIUYO, who may be favoured by some council members and political figures.

Also, a Professor of Medicine and Clinical Lecturer, Etete Peters is surging forward for the plume job.

Peters, is a former Chief Medical Director of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Hospitals Management Board, and leader in academic governance and health research. Coaches say his administrative experience and clinical leadership set him apart.

Prof. Idara Akpan, is Academic (General Faculty Interest), and one of the aspirants who publicly expressed interest.

Prof. Enoidem Usoro, is a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and an experienced administrator at UNIUYO.

Prof. Daniel Offiong, was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) to the outgone VC, Prof. Ndaeyo and was reportedly seen by some insiders as the favoured successor, a factor that has stirred debate, while Prof. Anthonia Essien who had stint of VC’s officeholder was said to have withdrawn from the contest.