President Bola Tinubu has authorised the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) located in Awka, Anambra State, and the dismissal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the recent Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.
The governing council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga indicated that the removal of the governing council and officials were prompted by reports of the council’s illegal appointment of an unqualified vice-chancellor without proper procedures.
Following this contentious appointment, the government intervened to douse tensions between the Senate and the 33-year-old UNIZIK governing council. During the selection process, the government expressed worry regarding the council’s apparent neglect of the university’s governing laws.
The statement also noted that President Tinubu approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami is the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Federal University of Health Sciences governing council in Otukpo, Benue State.
This decision was taken after Engr. Salami engaged in illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the required protocols.
Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s directive to lift the unlawful suspension, Engr. Salami chose not to comply and instead exhibited abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
The government stressed that university councils’ primary duty is to facilitate the smooth conduct of university operations per the legislation establishing each university.
President Tinubu cautioned the councils against causing distractions within their universities, as his administration aims to elevate the country’s educational standards.
