The Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igboariam, Anambra State, has announced the vacancy for the position of Vice Chancellor, inviting applications from qualified candidates.
The declaration was made in a statement issued by the university’s registrar and secretary to the council, Chris Obi, on Thursday. The position officially became vacant on January 2, with applications open for a duration of eight weeks.
Highlighting the requirements for prospective candidates, Mr. Obi stated, “Applicants should be professors with cognate experience in university leadership, teaching, and research. The vice chancellor shall hold office for a single, non-renewable tenure of not more than five years, subject to good behaviour.” Candidates must possess at least 15 years of experience in teaching, research, service, and leadership within the university system, either in Nigeria or abroad. Additionally, they should exhibit “demonstrable qualities in academic and moral leadership.”
The registrar outlined further qualifications, emphasizing that applicants must hold a doctorate degree in a field of study offered by the university, provide evidence of successful supervision of postgraduate students—particularly at the Ph.D. level—and be physically and mentally fit for the responsibilities of a vice chancellor. He added, “The vacancy excludes those who would be 65 years old at the date of appointment.”
Applicants are required to submit a written essay detailing their vision and ambitions for the university, including an indicative sequencing or implementation framework for the ideas in not more than 750 words. Additionally, each candidate must provide references, including at least one male and one female referee, as well as a non-Nigerian familiar with the applicant’s work, values, and abilities.
“The referees shall include an explicit certification that the candidate has had no hand in the preparation of the confidential report to be forwarded directly to the registrar,” Mr. Obi emphasized.
In a move to ensure inclusivity, the council has opened the vacancy to all qualified individuals, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, nationality, or class.
