Illegal Appointment: Tinubu Dissolves Unizik’s Governing Councils, Sacks VC, Registrar
By Matthew Eloyi
President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and removed its newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.
This decision also extended to the council’s chairman, Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, and its other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement issued on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga cited violations of due process in the council’s appointment of the vice-chancellor. The move followed reports that the governing council disregarded university regulations, leading to tensions with the institution’s Senate.
“The Federal Government stepped in to address the apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in the selection process,” the statement read, emphasizing that university councils are expected to operate in strict compliance with the laws establishing their institutions.
Similarly, President Tinubu approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Engr. Salami was accused of illegally suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following established procedures. Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to “abusive and threatening behavior” toward ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government warned that university councils must prioritize smooth operations and adherence to their founding acts.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s education standards, urging councils to avoid creating distractions within their institutions.