Over 1,000 alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) hit the streets on Tuesday, December 18, 2024, in a protest against what they believe is a serious abuse of power by the university’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Polycarp Chigbu. The protesters gathered at the Total Roundabout in Nsukka, Enugu State, to express their opposition to the alleged imposition of Engr. Chukwuemeka Udoh as the convocation representative in the University’s Governing Council. They claim that the election process was manipulated, with Udoh being pushed into the role without a fair and legitimate vote.
Holding placards with strong messages, the alumni made it clear they would not back down. One protester, Clinton Ogbonna, shared his frustration with the situation, calling out the “imposition” and demanding a transparent election where all candidates have an equal opportunity to participate. “We want a fair process, not one where power is manipulated behind closed doors,” he said. Ogbonna also called on the Pro-Chancellor of the University, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), to step in and prevent the situation from escalating further by holding the Acting Vice Chancellor accountable.
The protesters are determined to make their voices heard. They warned that their protest would only grow larger, with plans to escalate it into a “mother of all protests” starting Thursday until their demands are met. They feel strongly that UNN, a place they once called home, should be a place for nurturing true leaders who are chosen by the people, not by those who manipulate the system for their own gain.
Another protester, Bonaventure Omego, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the election process should respect the University’s standing orders. He criticized the use of an online voting system that wasn’t part of the University’s established procedures, calling it a “kangaroo election.” “The rules need to be followed. Online voting and registration were never part of the University’s orders,” he said.
The protest wasn’t just about raising voices—it was also about justice. Many of the placards read, “UNN Alumni say no to abuse of power,” “UNN Alumni reject manipulation in the convocation election,” and “We say no to imposition.” The message was clear: the alumni will not allow their University to be a breeding ground for political manipulation.
Adding weight to the protest, the alumni had already submitted a petition to the Pro-Chancellor, urging him to intervene. They allege that Professor Chigbu unilaterally altered the election procedures without consulting the necessary laws or standing orders. The petitioners are demanding that the changes, including the controversial publications of November 19 and 20, 2024, be revoked, as they violate the University’s own rules.
In their seven-page petition, the alumni are calling for a return to the process outlined in the publication from November 7, 2024, which they argue aligns with the University’s standing orders. They also called for the proper guidelines to be followed if any amendments are to be made, according to Section 22 of the University’s standing orders.
This protest and petition have sparked a larger conversation about the direction of governance at UNN, with alumni calling for transparency, fairness, and respect for the law. How the situation will unfold remains to be seen, but the alumni’s commitment to ensuring that the University remains a place of integrity and democracy is stronger than ever.
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