PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, as well as the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.
Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe led the council, which included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement today from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga explained that the council and its officials were dismissed due to reports of an illegal appointment of an unqualified vice-chancellor that bypassed due process.
Following this controversial appointment, the Federal Government intervened to mitigate tensions between the university’s Senate and its governing council, which has been in operation for 33 years.
The government raised concerns over the council’s apparent neglect of the university’s governing regulations in its selection process.
In a related decision, President Tinubu also dismissed Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami from his role as Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the governing council at the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. This action resulted from Salami’s illegal suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to proper procedures.
Despite calls from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the unlawful suspension, Engr. Salami failed to comply and instead displayed abusive and threatening behavior towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government emphasized that university councils are primarily responsible for ensuring the effective functioning of university operations in accordance with their founding legislation.
President Tinubu warned councils against causing disruptions as his administration aims to enhance educational standards in the country.
