President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and removed the institution’s newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike. This decision comes amidst allegations of irregularities in the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment process.
The sacked Governing Council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, also included Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
According to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the council was dismissed following reports that it appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor without adhering to the university’s governing laws.
“The Federal Government intervened after tensions arose between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council over this controversial appointment,” the statement read. “The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the laws governing the institution.”
President Tinubu also took action against the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, by removing Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of its Governing Council.
Salami’s dismissal followed allegations of misconduct, including the illegal suspension of the university’s Vice-Chancellor without due process. Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused and resorted to threatening ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
Reacting to the developments, the Federal Government emphasized the role of university councils in maintaining stability and adhering to the legal frameworks guiding their operations.
“The primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of activities in accordance with the act establishing each university,” the statement continued.
President Tinubu warned university councils against actions that could disrupt their institutions, stating that his administration remains committed to improving education standards across the country.
This decisive move is seen as part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to ensure accountability and adherence to proper governance in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
