President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the new vice-chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.
The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday.
Meanwhile the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has strongly condemned the recent directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, which alleged the dissolution of its Governing Council and the removal of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Benard Odoh.
This directive, reportedly approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has raised concerns within the university community and sparked a fierce response from the university’s management.
The Federal Ministry of Education, in a letter signed by Boriowo Folasade, its Director of Press and Public Relations, accused UNIZIK of breaching regulations and disregarding federal directives. The Ministry’s letter claimed that the university’s Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, which it argued had caused unrest and disrupted the institution’s order.
In response, Charles Otu, the Media and Publicity Assistant to Professor Odoh, issued a statement on Wednesday, describing the Ministry’s actions as “mischievous” and part of a deliberate attempt to destabilize the university’s operations. Otu emphasized that the Ministry’s interference was unwarranted, citing the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, LFN 2004, which grants the President the exclusive right to dissolve the university’s Governing Council or remove the Vice-Chancellor, and not the Ministry.
Otu also criticized the Ministry for overstepping its boundaries and acting without due process, pointing out that the university’s management had not been consulted, nor had the affected parties been formally notified or given the opportunity to defend themselves before such drastic actions were taken. According to Otu, Professor Odoh’s appointment was made in accordance with established procedures and had been widely accepted by various stakeholders within the academic community.
Additionally, Otu raised concerns regarding the Ministry’s conduct, accusing it of contempt of court due to ongoing legal proceedings in the National Industrial Court concerning the legitimacy of Professor Odoh’s appointment. He argued that the case, which is still sub judice, made the Ministry’s actions not only premature but also highly inappropriate, as it risked undermining the judicial process.
Addressing claims of disorder at the university, Otu strongly rejected the assertion, stating that the campuses remain calm and peaceful. He affirmed that Professor Odoh continues to fulfill his responsibilities effectively, with no disruptions to the academic or administrative functions of the institution.
Otu also questioned the authenticity of the Ministry’s letter, pointing out that it was signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, rather than the Permanent Secretary or the Minister of Education, which he argued was highly irregular. Furthermore, he noted that there had been no direct communication with the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, which he found concerning.
In conclusion, Otu called on the public and the university community to remain calm and patient, emphasizing the importance of allowing the legal process to resolve the matter. He urged all parties involved to seek a judicial resolution to avoid further escalation and to ensure that the integrity of the university and its operations is upheld.