President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as Vice Chancellor, along with Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as registrar.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, also included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
In a statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that the decision was prompted by reports that the council had appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor in violation of due process.
The statement further explained that the Federal Government intervened following the contentious appointment to address rising tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.
Concerns were raised about the council’s apparent disregard for the institution’s governing laws during the selection process.
The statement added that in the same vein, President Tinubu also 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.
The decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.
Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the unlawful suspension, Engr. Salami refused to comply, opting instead for abusive and threatening behavior toward Ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government emphasized that the primary role of university councils is to oversee the smooth operation of university affairs in strict accordance with the laws governing their establishment.
President Bola Tinubu cautioned university councils against causing disruptions in their institutions, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s education standards.