President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by dissolving the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. Alongside this, he approved the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike as the Registrar of the institution.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, also included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin. Their immediate dismissal was announced in a statement by Chief Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman.
The move follows allegations that the council appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor without adhering to due process, in violation of university governance laws. This sparked tensions between the university’s Senate and the council. In response, the Federal Government intervened to restore order and address the irregularities.
Chief Onanuga noted that the government was deeply concerned by the council’s blatant disregard for the institution’s governing laws during the selection process, undermining the credibility of the 23-year-old university.
In a similar vein, President Tinubu also sanctioned the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. Salami was accused of unlawfully suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following prescribed procedures.
Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply. His actions were further marred by abusive and threatening behavior towards Ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government emphasized that the primary role of university governing councils is to facilitate the smooth functioning of university activities in strict adherence to the laws establishing each institution.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s education system, warning university councils to avoid creating unnecessary distractions. His firm stance underscores the government’s determination to uphold accountability and ensure the proper governance of higher institutions.
