The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the reappointment of Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK). The decision, conveyed in a letter by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nullification of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh’s appointment as the seventh substantive vice-chancellor of the university.

The letter, dated November 20, 2024, stated that Odoh’s appointment by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council of UNIZIK was deemed illegal. “I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the acting vice-chancellor of the university with immediate effect,” Sani-Gwarzo wrote. He directed Ikechebelu to assume administrative control of the university and submit matters requiring council approval to the minister until a new governing council is constituted.

Ikechebelu’s reinstatement marks his second tenure in the acting role. He was initially appointed in June 2024 but was removed by the previous university council in July. His reappointment comes amid efforts to stabilize leadership at the university following a series of controversies.

In a related development, President Tinubu also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the acting registrar of UNIZIK, replacing Rosemary Nwokike, whose tenure as substantive registrar was terminated. Modebelu had previously held the acting registrar position before Nwokike’s appointment.

These leadership changes reflect the federal government’s ongoing intervention to address governance challenges at UNIZIK and ensure compliance with due process. With Ikechebelu and Modebelu back at the helm, the university is expected to move towards restoring stability and effective administration.