By: Ezenwa Amaka

The leadership echelon of Nigeria universities is structured in such a way that empowers the Vice-Chancellor as the head of administration while the Deputy Vice-Chancellors subordinate him. Leadership of universities in Nigeria is set out by the law establishing them – state and federal universities alike.

Whereas most universities have multiples of Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs) positions as the next in command after the Vice Chancellor, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, has just a DVC

This is in contrast to what is obtainable in other institutions. To name a few,, while the University of Nigeria Nsukka operates with three DVCs –  DVC Academic, DVC Admin Nsukka and DVC Admin Enugu campus, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) has two  Deputy Vice-Chancellors, one for Academic affairs and another for Administration

At State universities, the Imo State University (IMSU) operates two Deputy Vice-Chancellorship structure, one for Academic Affairs (DVC Academics) and the other for Administration (DVC Admin). Similarly, Abia State University (ABSU) has two Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs): one for Academic matters and one for Administration issues.

One thing is clear aforesaid, there ought to be at least two DVCs in a university to oversee academic and administrative affairs. Interestingly, ESUT has just one.

To ascertain the rationale behind ESUT having just one Deputy Vice-Chancellor position, ESUT Monitor spoke extensively with the Acting Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, ESUT Branch, Comrade Dr Andrew Apeh.

Dr Apeh who expressed concern that having just one DVC is hampering effective administration in ESUT, however explained the reason.

According to him, “every university operates under its own establishing law, and ESUT’s existing law provides for only one Deputy Vice Chancellor. However, during ASUU’s recent engagements with the university management, the union formally requested for the creation of two Deputy Vice Chancellor positions, and the management responded positively, promising to look into the matter.

“Let me remind you that introducing a new structure in the management of the university requires going through the Enugu State House of Assembly to amend the existing law that established ESUT. I am confidence that once the legal processes are completed, the university will implement the changes.

He emphasized that adding at least one Deputy Vice-Chancellors in the echelon would ease the administrative burden currently placed on the Vice-Chancellor and foster more effective communication between lecturers and the university management.