UNIZIK Sacks Acting Vice-Chancellor, Appoints Successor

The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has dismissed Acting Vice-Chancellor Joseph Ikechebelu. The council has not provided any reasons for the decision.

Ikechebelu, a professor and former deputy vice-chancellor of the university, was appointed as acting vice-chancellor in early June following the end of Charles Esimone’s tenure. The dismissal was announced in a letter issued by Gregory Mbadiwe, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the Governing Council.

The letter, which was obtained by SK Blog, also appointed Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi as the new acting vice-chancellor. Her appointment will be effective from Monday, July 22, 2024, and will last for six months. The appointment is in line with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004, as amended.

In the letter, Mbadiwe expressed confidence in Arinze-Umobi’s leadership capabilities and extended best wishes for her tenure. A copy of the appointment letter has been sent to the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, who will inform President Bola Tinubu.

In related development, soldiers were seen on the university grounds before the council meeting, causing some concern among students.