By Solomon OKPO
Tension is mounting at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) following a 14-day ultimatum issued by major staff unions to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), over the appointment of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor.
The ultimatum was jointly declared by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) during a congress held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the CBN Hall, Town Campus of the university.
Addressing union members at the congress, the Chairperson of NASU, Comrade Anaesthesia Essien, flanked by the Chairperson of NAAT, Engr. Usen Udom, and the Chairperson of SSANU, Comrade Anietie Atai, accused the Pro-Chancellor of breaching established statutory procedures and undermining the authority of the University Senate in the ongoing leadership transition.
The union leaders maintained that the process for appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor had already reached an advanced stage, stressing that applications had been duly advertised, candidates shortlisted, and the Screening Committee’s report submitted to the Governing Council.
They warned that any attempt to truncate the process or impose an acting Vice-Chancellor without Senate endorsement would be resisted by the university community.
“As a union, we note that the appointment process has reached its final stage, with only the interview of shortlisted candidates left to be concluded,” the unions stated. “We are giving a two-week ultimatum to the Chairman of the Governing Council to conclude the process for the emergence of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.”
The unions also vehemently rejected any plan to impose external leadership on the institution, declaring that “no foreigner will lead the University of Uyo.” They argued that the university has competent internal candidates and a clear legal framework that must be respected.
During the congress, union members staged a peaceful protest, displaying placards with inscriptions such as “Conclude the Interview Process,” “You Can’t Force Leadership on a University,” “Respect the Senate, Respect the Law,” and “Leadership Failure Is Avoidable.”
At the end of the meeting, the unions reiterated their 14-day ultimatum, warning that failure to comply would compel them to take decisive steps to safeguard the integrity, stability, and smooth administration of the university.
They further appealed to the Federal Ministry of Education and the Visitor to the University to intervene urgently to avert a breakdown of governance and a possible industrial crisis at the institution.
