By Our Correspondent in Abuja
As the race toward electing the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan gathers momentum, a group, Campaign for Academic Freedom and Excellence (CAFE),has called for an unbiased electoral body to would the conduct of free, fair and credible election.
The Coordinator of RACE, Ayanlola Ayanteju,in a statement he signed and made available to The Reporters,an online publication on Thursday in Abuja said the call became necessary in view of the controversies trailing the recently concluded congregational election.
The group, acknowledged efforts made to have a free and fair selection process with the adoption of the e-voting method.
He said:” However, we wish to make some suggestions which we hope will assist the electoral body, saddled with the responsibility of organising the election of a new VC, especially as it has reached a critical stage with the call for the expression of interest from candidates willing to serve on the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board.
“We appeal for an electoral body that will be actually Independent, to mitigate the reoccurrence of some of the complaints and controversies that trailed the previous congregational election during which we gathered many non-academic staff were excluded from participating in the election. The body should be insulated from any influence from the authority or any group.
“We will also advise ASUU to set up an election monitoring body, to be made up of respected members, as independent observers whose duty would be to ensure that no form of manipulation is allowed to taint the electoral process.
“This will protect the integrity and sanctity of the process and make the outcome acceptable to all. The union should be prepared to do this to retain the nobility of the institution and in tandem with the spirit of the Motto of University of Ibadan: *Recte Sapere Fons: For knowledge and sound judgement.”
” The university must not be plunged to another avoidable crisis of confidence which from all implications can polarise the University and divert attention from its main duties of teaching, research and community service. This may take the University many years backward, and one which will affect its future rating.
“The current status of the University, as evidenced by it’s recent rating as the best University in West Africa, was made possible through the efforts of the administration, dedicated staff and the labour of our past heroes.”
These heroes, the group noted, laid the foundation of excellence which UI must continue to build upon through sustained transparent electoral process in the Premier University to elect a popularly acceptable candidate as the Vice Chancellor of the great University of Ibadan.”