Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, has been tapped to helm the institution as the tenure of Professor Charles Esimone draws to a close on June 3, 2024.
The announcement came during a special Senate gathering convened at the University Auditorium on the same day. With his elevation to the role of acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ikechebelu steps into the spotlight, poised to steer the university’s course in the interim period.
The decision to appoint Ikechebelu stems from a directive issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in a circular dated May 28, 2024. Titled “RE: END OF TENURE OF SOME VICE-CHANCELLORS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES,” the directive mandates outgoing Vice-Chancellors to nominate a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, as per the recommendation of their respective Senates, to temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor.
As the sole deputy vice-chancellor within the institution, Ikechebelu emerges as a natural choice to fill the role.
His wealth of experience and academic acumen position him as a capable leader to navigate the university through this transitional phase.
