Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the removal of key officials, citing violations of due process in appointing the institution’s Vice-Chancellor.
The affected officials include the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
In a statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the council’s appointment of an unqualified Vice-Chancellor contravened the university’s governing laws.
“The Federal Government stepped in to address the rising tension between the university’s Senate and its governing council,” the statement noted.
Similarly, President Tinubu approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami’s dismissal followed allegations of illegally suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without adhering to prescribed procedures.
Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to abusive conduct towards ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government stressed that university councils must operate within the frameworks established by their governing acts to ensure smooth operations.
President Tinubu also warned university councils to avoid unnecessary distractions, emphasising his administration’s commitment to improving education standards across the nation.