The East Carolina University (ECU), an American university has apologised to the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, over his controversi
The East Carolina University (ECU), an American university has apologised to the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, over his controversial ‘appointment’ as a visiting professor by one of its officials.
In an apology letter dated December 8, the university was however, silent on if and how it would penalise the official who sent the ’embarrassing’ appointment letter to Ganduje.
IvoryNG had reported how the chief press secretary to Ganduje, Abba Anwar, announced that his principal’s appointment was contained in a letter sent to him by Victor Mbarika, on November 30.
Mbarika, a lecturer at the International Center for IT and Development at East Carolina University College of Business, quoted the letter as saying that “Ganduje’s choice is a depiction of close monitoring of his achievements as a governor in the last couple of years. Which eventually earned him global recognition and commendation.
“You have been a source of motivation to the Nigerian youths both at home and in the diaspora at large. We are amazed at your accomplishments both as the Executive Governor of Kano State, Nigeria, Fellow National Association of Educational Administration and Planning, Nigeria, and your investment in Human Capital Development.”
However, the university while confirming that Mbarika is its faculty member, it said he had no authority to make such an appointment.
“I must inform you that the letter you received from Dr. Victor Mbarika, on November 30, 2020 does not convey an authorized offer of appointment or establish any position of scholar or professor at East Carolina University (“ECU”).
“Only the Chancellor or another official identified in ECU’s published statement on Delegation of Contracting Authority for the Division of Academic Affairs may authorize or sign appointment letters under which faculty are employed. Dr. Mbarika is not such an official,” the official told Mr Ganduje.
In reaction to the ECU rescinding letter, the Kano State Government demanded an apology from the school and called for punishment of its officials for “attempting to embarrass the governor and the good people of Kano state.”
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Usman Alhaji, said they were pained by the uproar garnered by the controversial appointment that attempted to embarrass Mr Ganduje.
Although Mr Mbarika, who signed the controversial appointment letter, is yet to respond to speak on the matter, the institution has explained that it never planned to embarrass the governor. The disclosure was contained in an advertorial statement signed by Mr Hayes and published on The Nation Newspaper on December 8.
“Dear Governor, I am in receipt of your correspondence dated December, 7, 2020. Please be advised that I recognise your communication provides a summary of your educational accomplishments and you demonstrate appropriate credentials generally held by those appointed to faculty positions. I also regret that this situation has caused embarrassment, as that was not the intention of East Carolina University, nor was it the reason for my letter.”
