Tinubu sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe varsity council, VC, registrar
President Bola Tinubu has disbanded the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and dismissed its recently appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, along with Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike.
He also sanctioned the removal of Ohieku Salami from his role as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
This decision was publicly shared by the Presidency on Wednesday through a statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, VC and Registrar.’
The NAU council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five additional members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin (retd.).
“The dismissal of the governing council and officials resulted from reports indicating that the council improperly appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor in violation of due process.
“Following the controversial appointment, the Federal Government intervened to alleviate tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 33-year-old institution.
“The government expressed worries regarding the council’s apparent neglect of the university’s governing regulations during its selection process,” Onanuga stated.
In a similar vein, the Federal Ministry of Education has confirmed Odoh’s dismissal. The ministry also announced the disbandment of the institution’s Governing Council.
This announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities had charged the Governing Council of the institution with not adhering to due process in Odoh’s appointment and had insisted that the FME disband the Council due to various illegal activities.
“The Federal Government has declared the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, citing serious violations of the laws governing the university and a disregard for lawful instructions from the Federal Ministry of Education.
“This decision follows findings that the Chairman of the Governing Council appointed a Vice-Chancellor who did not fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements for the role. This resulted in a breakdown of law and order within the university community, leading to tension and conflict.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stressed that immediate actions were vital to avert further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, as the unlawful decisions made by the Governing Council posed a substantial risk of further destabilizing the institution.
“The Honourable Minister of Education has likewise announced the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the Vice-Chancellor who was unlawfully appointed by the dissolved Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“In line with the university’s founding act, an Acting Vice-Chancellor will be designated, and a new Governing Council will be assembled shortly to ensure proper governance and compliance with the law.”
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