President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra state.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, confirmed the decision also includes the removal of Bernard Odoh, the newly appointed vice-chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.
The now-dissolved council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.
“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process,” the statement reads.
“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 23-year-old institution.
“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”
In a separate development, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohieku Muhammed Salami as pro-chancellor and chair of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue state.
“This decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following proper procedures,” the statement adds. “Despite a call from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the suspension, Salami refused to comply.
“Instead, he allegedly resorted to abusive and threatening behavior toward the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”
Onanuga emphasised that the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth functioning of university activities in alignment with the laws governing them.
President Tinubu also issued a warning to university councils, urging them not to create unnecessary distractions as his administration focuses on improving the country’s education system.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
