Leadership crisis: Tinubu reinstates Ikechebelu as UNIZIK acting VC
Following the sacking and dissolution of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state Vice-Chancellor and the governing board respectively, the federal government on Thursday, announced the reinstatement of Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor of the institution.
Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, permanent secretary at the federal ministry of education, while announcing Ikechebelu’s reinstatement in a letter issued, “Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, vide letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November 2024 nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive vice chancellor of the university who was illegally appointed by the dissolved 10th Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the acting vice chancellor of the university with immediate effect,” the letter reads.
“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the university.”
The letter directed Ikechebelu to oversee the university’s administration and refer matters requiring council approval to the education minister until a new governing council is established.
The federal government also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the university’s acting registrar.
Modebelu had previously served in the role before being replaced by Rosemary Nwokike, whose appointment was terminated on Wednesday.
Background of the story
Ikechebelu was in June 2024, appointed acting vice-chancellor of the institution.
Meanwhile, the university’s 10th governing council in July 2024 controversially replaced him with Bernard Odoh.
The council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of bypassing proper procedures to appoint Odoh.
Back story
However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday dissolved the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the president also approved the sacking of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the new Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar
According to the statement, the sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.
The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, includes five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
“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,” the statement read.
Tinubu also 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 reported illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.
“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.”
