President Tinubu dissolves Governing Council of UNIZIK, removes VC, Registrar

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the removal of its newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Bernard Odoh, and Registrar, Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.

The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the dismissal follows allegations of improperly appointing an unqualified vice-chancellor and bypassing due process at the 33-year-old institution.

The Federal Government intervened following escalating tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council, attributing the crisis to the council’s disregard for established laws governing the institution’s leadership selection process.

In a related development, President Tinubu also removed Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

Engr. Salami was accused of illegally suspending the Vice Chancellor without following due process, despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension.

Reports indicate that Salami further escalated the situation by allegedly issuing threats and making abusive remarks toward Ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.

The Federal Government emphasized that university councils are responsible for ensuring the smooth and lawful operation of their institutions.

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving education standards and warned that any actions by governing councils that disrupt the operations of the nation’s universities would not be tolerated.