The resignation of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius underscores the malaise affecting the academic hierarchy with other policy bodies on the Reduit campus. Academic restructuring with powers devolved to faculties and departments is ongoing in institutions of higher education. Gearing itself to new challenges in Research and Development, producing innovative courses in new disciplines that span traditional subjects and maintaining a high academic standard in a competitive world, the University should be unhindered in its search for excellence and scholarship.

Only the academic corps could provide such a lead. It is purported that the Vice Chancellor was summoned to frequent meetings with the Minister to discuss academic and administrative matters this is most unbecoming of the Minister – more so for someone who had held an academic post at the University. The Minister must issue an unequivocal denial to this narrative. No one could envisage Dr Paul Octave Wiehe or even for that matter Professor Jugdish Manrakhan reporting frequently to their respective Minister of Education on academic matters.

The former Speaker of the National Assembly and first Chairman of the University Council, Sir Harilall Vaghjee, refused to include a Parliamentary Question (PQ) relating to the University on the Order paper. He argued that no minister has direct responsibility for the management of the University and hence could not answer the PQ. We have moved a long way from such a landmark ruling. At its formative stage the University needed such respect, integrity and protection, more so when its first Vice Chancellor, Dr L J Hale left offi ce under suspicious circumstances.

The University of Mauritius was modelled on traditional red brick British universities. The Chancellor being a respected civic figure performs honorary functions only such as presiding convocation ceremonies or the University Court. Of late we have seen the Chancellor discussing academic and administrative matters with the Vice Chancellor.

The Chairman of the University Council restyled as Pro Chancellor chairs the full meeting of the University Council, which deliberates on administrative and other major policy matters. No past Chairman of the Council had an office on the Reduit campus and less so arrogated himself executive powers such as those executive chairmen of some parastatal bodies of known notoriety.

It is gratifying that the students’ bodies and academic staff are preparing their own response to this scandal. This incident imping es on the basic foundation of academic freedom and could impair the international image of the University. At a time when the academic staff is competing with their peers from other universities for recognition and excellence, such an issue could provide an unnecessary diversion from their efforts. The students and staff should articulate their case cogently on the campus.

They must not expect much from a public opinion too atrophied in its lethargy for support, but should pursue their case relentlessly and with conviction.

Professor Swaley Kasenally