President Tinubu has removed the Vice-Chancellor and Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in a major administrative shake-up.
President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the dissolution of the Governing Council at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State. Additionally, he has approved the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh from his position as the university’s new Vice Chancellor.
Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, who served as the registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The Council, headed by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, consists of five additional members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, the dismissal of the Governing Council and its officials resulted from reports that they unlawfully appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without adhering to proper procedures.
“The statement noted that following the contentious appointment, the Federal Government intervened to alleviate tensions between the university’s Senate and Governing Council of the institution which has been established for 23 years.”
Tinubu voiced concerns about the Council seemingly ignoring the university’s governing regulations during its selection process.
The President also sanctioned the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami from his roles as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, in Benue State.
The decision was prompted by Salami’s illegal actions, such as the suspension of the vice-chancellor without adhering to prescribed procedures.
The statement indicated that Engineer Salami did not comply with the Federal Ministry of Education’s request to revoke the unlawful suspension.
Instead, he turned to abusive and threatening behavior towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
Tinubu also cautioned the councils to avoid causing disruptions in their universities since his administration is dedicated to enhancing the nation’s educational standards.
