The acting president and vice-chancellor of Memorial University, which has been at the centre of a controversy over the hiring of its next president, said Friday he has withdrawn his name as a candidate for the position.

Eddy Campbell said in a prepared statement to the media — his first since the controversy erupted — that he "will not comment on what others have said about the search process or on my experiences with the process over the past year."

Memorial University has been at the centre of national debate this week after provincial Education Minister Joan Burke admitted that she personally interviewed two candidates for the president's position and rejected them.

The move has been called "unprecedented" in the academic community, and the province has come under fierce criticism for involving itself in the hiring practices of the independent body.

In his statement, Campbell commented on the shadow cast on the school during the debate.

"Recent public statements regarding the presidential search at Memorial University call the autonomy of the university into question. Universities throughout Canada and elsewhere operate at arm's length from government, while adhering to provisions that allow for appropriate government oversight and accountability," he said.

"Autonomy is vital if a university is to fulfil its commitment to the society it serves. It brings with it responsibilities that Memorial takes very seriously."

Campbell continued to say that the government does play a key role at the university, with cabinet appointing 17 of the 30 positions of the governing body, the Board of Regents.

The board established a committee of 18 university faculty administrators, students, staff and members of the public to select candidates for the position of president in May 2007.

"That committee should be free to conclude the mandate it was given without interference or outside influence, as is the case with all presidential search committees at other Canadian universities," Campbell said.

The Memorial University Act requires the Board of Regents to consult with the university senate and gain the approval of the lieutenant-governor.

Campbell said any deviation from that act damages the autonomy of the university.

He said it may also discourage qualified candidates from applying for the presidency position.

Campbell said as acting president, he will be requesting a meeting with Burke as soon as possible to address his concerns.