Business
…says new appointment contradicts statutory guidelines
By Anthony Isibor
THE Civil Society Coalition for Research Funding and Strategies for National Transformation, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reverse the removal of Patricia Uchenna Chukwu, Director General/Chief Executive of the National Board for Technology Incubation, NBTI, and the appointment of Kazeem Kolawole Raji as her replacement.
In a letter signed by the group and addressed to the president, the appointment of the new DG didn’t follow due process as the former DG of the Board was unjustly removed since she was only less than two years into her five-year tenure when she was suddenly replaced by Raji.
An action which the group described as a clear violation of the Conditions of Service for Federal Research and Development Agencies, Institutes and Colleges (COS 2019), which stipulates that Chief Executives shall hold office for a single tenure of five years and outlines the qualifications and procedures for their appointment.
The group, which also expressed worry over the development also noted that sections 2.1.2(d)I and 2.1.3(b,c,d) of the conditions for appointment states that to appoint a Chief Executive of a Research and Development Institute, the vacancy must, among others, be advertised, that candidates must not only be experienced Researchers, but must also possess Ph.D in relevant discipline and must have served for a minimum of five years on CONRAISS 15.
“The section also adds that consideration shall be given first to outstanding and meritorious scientists in the institution before extending the search to other R & D institutions in the sector if no suitable candidate is found within the particular agency. COS 2019 stipulates that the appointment shall be for a non-renewable tenure of five years only. The qualification includes External Examiner’s report on candidates,” it said.
The group wondered why Chukwu, who is eminently qualified for the position, both in terms of academic qualifications and work experience, as specified by COS 2019 and whose appointment followed due process would be removed in such manner.
“The vacant position was advertised by the then Governing Board, she applied, was shortlisted, tested and selected through a competitive process in 2023.
“As a thoroughbred researcher and inventor with many patents to her credit, Chukwu is widely acknowledged by all stakeholders in the R&D family as a round peg in a round hole. She has lived up to this billing as a mentor to the army of young researchers as CEO of NBTI. Furthermore, she is a home-grown CEO, who climbed to the position through performance.
“Dr. Chukwu holds a Ph.D degree from Ebonyi State University, M.Sc, MBA and PGD in Technology Management from Enugu State University. Her strong track record includes 40 academic publications and 11 patents. Before being appointed as CEO of NBTI, she was the Director of the South Eastern Zone of the Board, having earlier served as the pioneer Centre Manager of Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Nnewi.
“She has neither been found wanting in the course of her job nor has she completed her tenure. The appointment of Raji is a gross violation of the extant regulation issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) through a circular dated 23rd November 2017 with Ref. No. SGF/OP/1/S.3/T, titled “RE: PROCEDURE FOR APPOINTING CHIEF EXECUTIVES AND HEADS OF PARASTATALS, GOVERNMENT-OWNED COMPANIES, AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS.” The circular states that “such appointments, which should be without prejudice to eligible serving officers competing for these positions, must be based on strict adherence to the principle of justice, equity, and fair play.” It further adds that “to ensure stability, continuity, and improvement of staff morale, serving officers shall be encouraged to aspire to top positions of their establishments through effective career development and succession.”
The group further explained that this kind of appointment of a Chief Executive from outside the sector cannot happen in the university sector and should not be allowed in the Research and Development Institutes, RDIs, sector.
“Someone who is not a researcher cannot effectively supervise researchers because the CEO is a lead researcher who must lead from the front.”
It noted that although the appointment of Director General/Chief Executive Officer of a Research and Development Institute like NBTI is approved by the President of the Federal Republic, it is a specialized position with statutory flavour like Chief Executives of teaching hospitals, universities and the judiciary.
“Mr. President, we doubt that this particular appointment had the input of the Honourable Minister in charge of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the statutory supervisor of NBTI, because that would be working against COS 2019, which his Ministry should uphold.
“Your Excellency, you are known as a listening President who has previously reversed wrong appointments. We plead with you to reverse this appointment and reinstate Dr. Chukwu to her rightful position as the Director General/Chief Executive of NBTI,” the group added.
A.I
Jan. 23, 2025
Tags: Kazeem Kolawole Raji NBTI
