The management of East Carolina University (ECU) has apologised to the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, over his controversial ‘appointment’ as a visiting professor by one of its officials.

The ECU, in an apology letter dated December 8, was, however, silent on if and how it would penalise the official who sent the ’embarrassing’ appointment letter to Mr Ganduje.

Recall how the chief press secretary to Mr Ganduje, Abba Anwar, announced that his principal’s appointment was contained in a letter sent to him by Victor Mbarika, on November 30.

Mr Mbarika is a lecturer at the International Center for IT and Development at East Carolina University College of Business.

He quoted the letter as saying that “Ganduje’s choice is a depiction of close monitoring of his achievements as a governor in the last couple of years. Which eventually earned him global recognition and commendation.

“You have been a source of motivation to the Nigerian youths both at home and in the diaspora at large. We are amazed at your accomplishments both as the Executive Governor of Kano State, Nigeria, Fellow National Association of Educational Administration and Planning, Nigeria, and your investment in Human Capital Development.”

Although Mr Mbarika, who signed the controversial appointment letter, is yet to respond to speak on the matter, the institution has explained that it never planned to embarrass the governor.

The disclosure was contained in an advertorial statement signed by Mr Hayes and published on The Nation Newspaper on December 8.

“Dear Governor, I am in receipt of your correspondence dated December, 7, 2020. Please be advised that I recognise your communication provides a summary of your educational accomplishments and you demonstrate appropriate credentials generally held by those appointed to faculty positions. I also regret that this situation has caused embarrassment, as that was not the intention of East Carolina University, nor was it the reason for my letter.”

On the penalty for Mr Mbarika, the school said “Please be advised that Chapter 126 of the North Carolina General statutes mandates that personnel information of ECU employees remain confidential so that I am unable to respond to the additional request for information made by your correspondence. I wish your excellency all the best in your future endeavors and once again express regret for any confusion that may have resulted from the November 30, 2020 correspondence.”