President Bola Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and approved the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike as Registrar.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, citing irregularities in the council’s operations.
Reasons for the Dissolution
The governing council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe and comprising Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin, was accused of bypassing due process in appointing an unqualified vice-chancellor.
“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government intervened to address escalating tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council. The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for established laws governing the institution,” Onanuga explained.
Removal of Federal University of Health Sciences Officials
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to prescribed procedures. Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami allegedly refused to comply and engaged in threatening behavior towards Ministry officials.
Federal Government’s Warning to University Councils
The Federal Government reiterated the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure smooth operations aligned with the universities’ founding acts.
“President Tinubu has warned councils to avoid causing distractions and focus on fostering improvements in the country’s education standards,” Onanuga emphasized.
This decisive action underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s educational institutions.
