In a decisive move to uphold transparency and compliance within the nation’s tertiary institutions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. This decision also includes the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike as Registrar.
The dissolved council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin. Investigations revealed that the council violated due process by appointing an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, a move that sparked unrest within the institution’s Senate.
The Federal Government, alarmed by the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s statutory laws, intervened to resolve tensions brewing within the 33-year-old institution. The intervention underscored the importance of adhering to established protocols to maintain institutional integrity.
In a related development, President Tinubu also sanctioned the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. Engr. Salami was accused of overstepping his authority by unlawfully suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following established procedures.
Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to rescind the suspension, Engr. Salami reportedly defied the orders and resorted to abusive and threatening conduct toward senior ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of governing councils is to foster the smooth administration of university activities in line with the statutes governing each institution. President Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to raising the standard of education in Nigeria and will not tolerate any actions that undermine this vision.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Presidency warned university councils to avoid creating unnecessary distractions, affirming that compliance with due process remains non-negotiable.
This decisive action is expected to restore order and accountability within the affected institutions, reflecting the administration’s resolve to ensure the credibility of Nigeria’s educational system.
