As processes for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin reach crescendo with 24 applications received, among them two external candidates, the council of the university has disqualified no fewer than 19 applicants.

Five candidates have therefore been short listed for interview to be conducted next week, sources told National Pilot at the weekend.
The selection committee, according to our sources, did the short listing last week. The five shortlisted candidates, National Pilot gathered, are Professors Hassan Salihu, Abdulganiyu Ambali, Kolade Ayorinde, Timothy Opoola and JimiAdesanya.

The short-listing was coming after the submission of the report of the search team put in place by the council to look around for more qualified candidates that could apply for the job.
The search team, it was further gathered, was able to convince six candidates to join the race, which brought the number of applicants to 24.

Investigations by National Pilot indicated that letters had been sent to the short listed candidates to appear before the interview panel, which a source said, "has been in place since." Others, who were not fortunate to be short listed, however, were not issued any letter neither did they receive notification.

One of them confirmed to National Pilot last night, saying "I didn't even know candidates have been short listed."

An impeccable source said, "It is true five candidates have been short listed for interview. They are expected to face the panel next week for rigorous drilling session, which would centre on what the candidates have to offer.

"The panel is also expected to grill the candidates on their claims and their academic accomplishments, coupled with their programmes and policies that would further uplift the standard of the university."

Asked why other candidates were not notified, the source retorted, "The council has done the right thing by writing only the candidates short listed and don't forget this is a standard and conventional practice in any appointment process. Out of the short listed candidates, only Adesanya is not from Unilorin. He is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Salihu, a Professor of Political Science, is former Dean, Faculty of Business and Social Science of the University, while Ambali, formerly of the University of Maiduguri, is the Dean of Veterinary Medicine, a newly established faculty in the institution. He left Unimaid in 2010 to pioneer the veterinary programmes in the university. Ayorinde on his own part is the immediate past DVC Academic of the university, while the other short listed candidate, Opoola, is a former Dean of Science.

The tenure of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor expires in October 16, which prompted the university council to earnestly commence the process of appointing a new VC. The council is expected to forward the name of the appointed candidate to President Goodluck Jonathan for pronouncement.