By Adedapo Adesanya
A group known as the Coalition for Quality Education Sustainability and Leadership Initiative has called on authorities to investigate and take necessary actions against the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Charles Arinzechukwu Igwe, over alleged falsification of age.
In a statement signed by the group’s mouthpiece, Comrade James Ezema, the group said it was committed to the sustenance of quality education, pointing out that with the presence of the controversial vice chancellor of the institution, this duty has been compromised.
The New Vice Chancellor, as claimed by the group, was three years older than the statutory age of 60 he declared in his official credentials.
“The new Vice-Chancellor, who was Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) during the tenure of the immediate past academic team of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), had submitted to the university authorities as contained in his curriculum vitae, claiming that he was born at Awka, Anambra State of Nigeria on August 23, 1958.
“Whereas a statutory declaration of age on oath in 1974 on behalf of Prof. Charles Igwe by Mr. Wilfred Igwe, a native of Awka in Njikoka of the then East Central State of Nigeria, noted that the UNN VC was actually born on August 23, 1955 not 1958 as claimed by the VC,” a part of the statement read.
Calling for quick action on the alleged falsification issue, the coalition noted that, “We therefore urge all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the circumstances that led to the alteration of the date of birth of Prof. Charles Igwe to determine his possible culpability in the suspected perjury.”
“Now, how can a leader who lies on oath uplift the education sector in the country?” the coalition statement queried.
Professor Charles Arinzechukwu Igwe was sworn-in as the 15th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka in June 2019.
Modupe Gbadeyanka