President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, alongside the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike. The decision comes amidst allegations of illegal appointments and procedural violations within the institution.
The university’s council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement issued by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday detailed the reasons for the council’s dissolution, accusing it of appointing an unqualified Vice-Chancellor without adhering to due process.
“The Federal Government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process,” the statement noted.
The government also intervened to address rising tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council. The institution, established 23 years ago, has been embroiled in controversies regarding the leadership selection process.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
According to the statement, Salami was accused of suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the suspension.
“Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be revoked, Engr. Salami refused to comply. Instead, he resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary,” the statement read.
The government emphasised that university governing councils are mandated to ensure smooth operations in accordance with the act establishing each institution. It warned against actions that could disrupt academic and administrative processes.
“University councils must not create distractions in their universities. This administration remains focused on improving the country’s education standards,” the statement added.
