Following series of petitions against some professors at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), the authorities of the institution have been given an ultimatum to avail the public, the academic records of the affected teachers.
Specifically, they have been requested to submit the files, for public scrutiny, of the current Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),in the school, Prof Chike Ugwuene and his predecessor in office, Prof Uzochukwu Onyebinama.
In a letter to that effect, a group known as the Concerned Parents of MOUAU students, averred that they were not ” comfortable ” with the academic and professional records of the two professors, hence the request.
In the letter written on their behalf by their lawyer, U E Ndukwe,Esq, and addressed to the Vice Chancellor of MOUUA, the parents alleged that they were ” disenchanted and uncomfortable with the status quo of the two professors “
” Categorically, we question their capacity, credibility, and competence and the processes that gave rise to their professorial appointments,” they alleged.
The group led by Hon Obinna Nwankwo explained that they are applying for the records of the two professors to ascertain whether indeed they merited the academic position they are occupying.
Relying on the Freedom of Information Act, they gave the university seven days to turn over those records for them to carry out ” integrity and plagiarism tests ” on them.
They acknowledged they would foot the bills for academic experts to go through those records and inform the public whether due process was followed in their promotion exercise.
Among the records demanded include the academic records of the professors from primary schools, their career progression, and their publications.
They explained that the investigation would help put their mind at rest that their children and wards are being taught by professionals whose competence would no longer be in doubt.