President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of key officials, including Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the Registrar.
The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, consisted of members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Retired General Funsho Oyeneyin.
The decision to dissolve the council and remove the officials followed reports that the council had illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor, bypassing established procedures.
A statement from presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the dissolution followed concerns over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws during the vice-chancellor selection process.
Tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council had escalated after the controversial appointment, prompting the Federal Government to intervene.
In addition to the UNIZIK changes, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.
This decision came after Salami’s illegal suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to proper procedures. Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s directive to reverse the suspension, Salami persisted in his actions, including threatening Ministry officials.
The Federal Government reiterated that university councils must operate in accordance with the laws governing their institutions and avoid actions that could disrupt academic activities.
President Tinubu emphasized that his administration remains committed to improving the standards of education in Nigeria.
