Tinubu removes UNIZIK VC, dissolves Governing Council over illegal appointment
On Wednesday, November 20, President Bola Tinubu approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the university’s Vice Chancellor.
The President also approved the removal of Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the university’s registrar. The Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members such as Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement from Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, explained that the decision followed reports that the Council had illegally appointed an unqualified Vice Chancellor without following the proper procedures.
The statement also revealed that after the controversial appointment, the federal government intervened to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council. Tinubu expressed concern about the Council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws during the selection process.
In addition, Tinubu approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. Salami’s actions, including the illegal suspension of the university’s Vice Chancellor and refusal to follow the Ministry of Education’s instructions, led to his removal.
The President warned that university councils should not disrupt the progress of the education system, emphasizing that his government is focused on improving the nation’s education standards.
