President Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, Vice Chancellor And Registrar

President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, and removed its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, as well as Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike.

Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Ohieku Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

The announcement came via a statement released on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, VC and Registrar.’

The dissolved NAU council, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members such as Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and retired Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

According to the statement, the decision was prompted by allegations that the council bypassed due process and appointed an unqualified candidate as Vice-Chancellor.

This controversial appointment reportedly created tension between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council, prompting federal intervention.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process,” said Onanuga.

The Federal Ministry of Education also announced the dismissal of Prof. Odoh and the council’s dissolution in a separate statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folashade Boriowo.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had earlier accused the council of disregarding due process in Odoh’s appointment and demanded its dissolution over alleged misconduct.

The statement reads, “The Federal Government has announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, following grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.

“The decision comes after it was found that the Chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed a Vice-Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, as the illegal decisions taken by the Governing Council posed a significant risk of further destabilizing the institution.

“The Honourable Minister of Education has also announced the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the Vice-Chancellor who was illegally appointed by the dissolved Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

“In accordance with the university’s founding act, an Acting Vice-Chancellor will be appointed, and a new Governing Council for the university will be constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law.”

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently asked the National Assembly to approve a new external borrowing plan of N1.767 trillion as part of the 2024 budget.