Tinubu dissolves Governing Council, Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for administrative infractions

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approves dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in Awka, Anambra State, and removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, new Vice-Chancellor, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, University Registrar, as well Pro-Chancellor of University of Health Sciences, in Otukpo, Benue State

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to their apparent disregard for the University’s governing laws in a selection process, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, new Vice-Chancellor, as well as Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the University Registrar.

The Council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

The Federal Government affirmed that the sacking of the University’s Governing Council and principal officers followed reports that the Council illegally appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor without following due process.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this development in a statement Wednesday, November 20, 2024, said after the controversial appointment in the University, the Federal Government intervened to calm tensions between the University’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 23-year-old institution.

The statement noted the Nigerian Government expressed concern over the Council’s apparent disregard for the University’s extant governing laws in the selection process.

In a related development, President Tinubu 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.

The decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.

The statement also noted: “Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be revoked, Engr. Salami refused to comply.

“Instead, he resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”

The Federal Government reiterated that the primary responsibility of University Councils is to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the act establishing each university.

Onanuga added: “President Tinubu warned the Councils not to create distractions in their universities as his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards.”