Professor Paul Nkegbe, Dean of the Graduate School at the University for Development Studies (UDS), in the Northern Region has firmly denied reports suggesting he is a leading candidate for the position of Vice-Chancellor at the university.

In a strongly worded rejoinder and disclaimer issued on April 14, Prof. Nkegbe addressed what he described as a widely circulated media report and flyer that not only named him as a “likely candidate” in the ongoing selection process but also linked disruptions at a recent University Council meeting to claims about his ethnic background.

Prof. Nkegbe categorically dismissed the publication, stating that the claims are entirely false and without merit.

He referenced a portion of the report which alleged that although he appeared to be a likely candidate, an unnamed group opposed his candidacy on the basis that he is “not a native.”

According to him, the suggestion that his ethnicity became a stumbling block, leading to the disruption of the Council meeting, is a complete fabrication.

He described the report as a reckless distortion of facts, accusing its authors of either gross irresponsibility or deliberate mischief.

The professor further expressed concern over the unauthorized use of his name and image in connection with the publication, noting that it has caused reputational harm and could expose him to unnecessary public controversy and potential security risks.

As part of his response, Prof. Nkegbe has issued an immediate demand for action.

He called on the originators of the publication, as well as all individuals and platforms that shared the content, to retract the story in full and delete all related materials, including the flyer bearing his image.

He also demanded a public apology that matches the visibility and reach of the original publication, clearly acknowledging the falsehood of the claims and absolving him of any involvement.

Prof. Nkegbe warned that failure to comply with these demands would leave him with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect his name, reputation, and personal security.

He emphasised that he dissociates himself entirely from the report and any events described in it, urging the public to disregard the claims and treat the publication with the contempt it deserves.