NAUS rejects Enugu neuropsychiatric hospital CMD’s appointment

The National Association of University Students (NAUS) has rejected the appointment of Dr. Ngozichukwu Unaogu as Chief Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu, alleging her failure to meet the required score in the interview.

NAUS Deputy National President, Comr. Meshach Anthony Nwankwo, stated that Dr. Andrew Orovwigbo, who passed the interview with a score of 65.3%, was unlawfully denied the position.

He said, “It has come to the attention of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) that an act of administrative impunity and corruption has allegedly been perpetrated by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Hon. Dr. Tunji Alausa (now Hon. Minister of Education), in the appointment of the new Chief Medical Director for Neuropsychiatric Hospital, New Heaven Enugu.”

“Several Civil Society Organizations have called for justice, but to no avail, prompting us to intervene, especially as members of our constituency are affected.”

“The former Health Minister was reportedly embroiled in an administrative scandal, favoring a female candidate who failed the interview for the position of Enugu Hospital Director.”

“We found that an incident occurred at the Ministry of Health where someone who did not qualify for the position of Chief Medical Director at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu was appointed, over the person who passed.

“Dr. Ngozichukwu Unaogu, despite not meeting the minimum required score, was appointed as Chief Medical Director.”

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“Meanwhile, Dr. Andrew Orovwigbo, who passed the interview, is illegally being denied the position. The interview took place on July 11, 2024, and was conducted by an eight-member panel chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Daju Kachollom.”

“It is alleged that the examination questions were crafted by Dr. Abdullahi Ibrahim, an esteemed expert and former Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi, and the Chair of the Faculty of Psychiatry at the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria.”

Dr. Ibrahim currently serves as the Chief Examiner of the college.

“That the minister allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate has created a tense atmosphere among hospital staff, stakeholders, and within the hospital environment. This is the highest level of impunity.”

“We will resist this impunity through civil disobedience if this issue is not addressed immediately.”

The panel that conducted the examination included representatives from various bodies, such as the Federal Character Commission’s Hon. Rev. Ukadike Ibeabuchi, and ministry directors Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Tetshoma T. Dafeta, Dr. Aderemi Azeez, Dr. Obiajulu Ugbo, Rasimatu U. Bello, and Igwenagu Ndidi Catherine, PhD.

“Notably, all panel members signed the result sheet, showing Dr. Orovwigbo scored 65.3% and Dr. Unaogu 59.2%.”

“After the interview, both candidates signed attestations confirming the process was transparent, fair, and free from manipulation.”

“Meanwhile, various health organizations at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital have condemned the former Minister of State’s authoritarian actions, emphasizing the need to protect the directorship position from partisan politics for the country’s advancement.”

“If such a costly and resource-intensive screening process was conducted, why was due process ignored? Over 40 million Nigerian University Students are calling out with one voice for this aberration to be corrected urgently.”

“We have students as interns, on industrial training, and even schooling there, so their interests must be considered.”

“While we congratulate the new Minister of Health and Social Welfare, we urge him to urgently address this issue and demand accountability from the Secretary-General of the Federation and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.”

“The NAUS leadership will actively engage the Ministry to ensure that every necessary step is taken to address this issue, as justice delayed is justice denied.”

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE