JUST IN: President Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Governing Council, Removes VC, Registrar, Sacks Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, alongside the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, the university’s registrar. This decision comes in response to reports that the university’s governing council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, had appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without adhering to the required selection process.

The controversial appointment of Odoh had caused a rift between the university’s Senate and its governing council, prompting intervention from the Federal Government. Concerns were raised over the council’s disregard for the university’s established procedures, especially regarding the selection of the new vice-chancellor. The Federal Government had previously stepped in to address the tensions, seeking a resolution to ensure that proper due process was followed in the leadership appointments.

In addition to the changes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. Salami’s actions, including the illegal suspension of the university’s Vice Chancellor without following the correct procedures, prompted the government’s intervention. Despite calls from the Federal Ministry of Education for the suspension to be revoked, Salami persisted in his actions, even resorting to abusive behavior towards ministry officials.

The Federal Government has reiterated the importance of university councils upholding their responsibilities in accordance with the law, ensuring that university operations are conducted smoothly and in line with the acts establishing each institution. President Tinubu has warned councils to avoid creating disruptions that could hinder the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s education standards.