President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the removal of key officials, including the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, and comprising members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin, was dissolved following allegations of irregularities in the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor. Reports indicated that the council failed to adhere to due process, appointing an unqualified candidate, which escalated tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed concerns over the council’s disregard for the institution’s governing laws and emphasized the importance of transparent and lawful procedures in such appointments.
In a related development, President Tinubu also 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 suspending the institution’s Vice-Chancellor without following due process. Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the unlawful suspension, he reportedly refused to comply and engaged in abusive and threatening behavior toward Ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that university councils must prioritize the smooth and lawful operation of their institutions in line with the laws establishing them.
President Tinubu warned university councils against actions that create unnecessary distractions, affirming his administration’s commitment to improving education standards across the country.
