Orapuh Institute is committed to leadership continuity, institutional stability, and transparent governance. This policy provides a clear succession pathway to ensure uninterrupted academic and administrative operations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to the leadership of Orapuh Institute, including the Director, Deputy Director, programme leads, and administrative leadership.

3. Key Leadership Positions

Orapuh Institute is led by a Director, who serves as the chief academic and operational leader of the Institute. The Director is supported by a Deputy Director.

4. Trigger for Succession

Succession procedures shall be activated when the Director:

  • resigns
  • becomes incapacitated
  • is removed through an approved governance process
  • is unable to perform official duties for an extended period
  • completes a defined term of service

5. Interim Leadership

Where the position of Director becomes vacant or temporarily unavailable, leadership shall transfer as follows:

  1. The Deputy Director becomes Acting Director.
  2. If the Deputy Director is unavailable, the most senior Programme Lead becomes Acting Director.
  3. If no Programme Lead is available, the Institute Administrative Lead shall assume acting responsibility until a formal acting appointment is made.

The Acting Director shall notify the appropriate university authority within seven (7) days of assuming office.

6. Appointment of a Substantive Director

A substantive Director shall be appointed through a merit-based process consistent with the governance framework of Gratis University. The process may include nomination, review of credentials, interview, and formal approval.

7. Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for Director should demonstrate:

  • relevant academic and professional qualifications
  • leadership experience in education, research, or programme development
  • commitment to academic integrity and professional ethics
  • alignment with the mission of Orapuh Institute and Gratis University

8. Transition and Handover

A formal handover shall be conducted during leadership transition. Institutional records, operational documents, and strategic plans must be transferred to ensure continuity.

9. Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Governing Council of Gratis University to ensure alignment with institutional growth and best practices.