President Bola Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the recently appointed Vice Chancellor, alongside Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, the Registrar.
In a statement released by Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that the council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, breached due process in the controversial appointment of the Vice Chancellor. The council members, including Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin, were also affected by the decision.
The Federal Government intervened after receiving reports of illegalities in the VC’s appointment process, which created a rift between the university’s Senate and its governing council. This decision highlights the government’s stance against disregarding institutional laws.
In a related development, President Tinubu also dismissed Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo. Salami was accused of unlawfully suspending the Vice Chancellor and ignoring directives from the Ministry of Education to reverse his actions.
The Presidency emphasized that university councils must prioritize the smooth and lawful operation of institutions in line with their foundational acts. President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing educational standards while warning against governance-related distractions.