President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of key officials, including the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The dissolution follows reports that the university’s Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, acted illegally in appointing an unqualified vice chancellor, bypassing due process. 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 tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council escalated, with concerns over the council’s disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection of leadership. The government emphasized the importance of adhering to established procedures and laws to maintain the integrity of the institution.
In another related move, President Tinubu approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. This decision came after Salami’s illegal suspension of the Vice Chancellor without following the proper procedures. Despite the Ministry of Education’s directive to reverse the suspension, Salami continued to defy the law, even resorting to abusive behavior towards ministry officials.
The Federal Government has reiterated the critical role of university councils in ensuring the smooth operation of academic institutions in line with their founding laws. President Tinubu also warned university councils against creating unnecessary distractions, stressing his government’s focus on improving education standards across the country.