President Bola Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh from his position as Vice-Chancellor. This decisive action follows allegations of procedural violations in Odoh’s appointment.
The now-dissolved Governing Council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin. Additionally, Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike has been relieved of her duties as the university’s registrar.
A statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, highlighted that the Council’s appointment of an unqualified vice-chancellor without adhering to due process prompted the federal government’s intervention to address escalating tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council.
President Tinubu expressed concern over the Council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws during the selection process. He emphasized the importance of adherence to established procedures to maintain the integrity of academic institutions.
In a related development, President Tinubu approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami from his role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. This decision was based on Salami’s unauthorized suspension of the vice-chancellor without following prescribed procedures. Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply and exhibited abusive behavior towards ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
President Tinubu has issued a stern warning to university councils against actions that could disrupt academic environments, reiterating his administration’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s educational standards.
