President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) located in Awka, Anambra State, along with the dismissal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five additional members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday confirmed the development, indicating that the dismissal of the governing council and its officials was prompted by reports of the council’s unlawful appointment of an unqualified vice-chancellor, which did not adhere to established procedures.
Following this contentious appointment, the Federal Government intervened to mitigate tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the institution, which has been in existence for 33 years.
The government expressed its dismay regarding the council’s apparent neglect of the university’s governing regulations during the selection process.
Furthermore, the statement noted that President Tinubu has also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami from his position as Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.
This decision was made in light of Salami’s unlawful actions, which included the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to the required protocols.
Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s directive to reverse the unlawful suspension, Salami chose to disregard this request and instead engaged in abusive and threatening conduct towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government emphasized that the primary duty of university councils is to facilitate the effective functioning of university operations in accordance with the legislation that established each institution.
President Tinubu cautioned the councils against causing disruptions within their universities, as his administration is committed to enhancing the standards of education in the country.
