In a recent development, the Abia State Government has announced the removal of Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu as the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu, along with other principal officers.
The decision was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, during a press briefing in Umuahia on Monday.
The announcement followed this week’s Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu revealed that the newly appointed Vice Chancellor is Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, who will take over leadership responsibilities at the university.
While details surrounding the reasons for the leadership changes were not fully disclosed, this reshuffling aims to bring new energy and vision to the institution, aligning with the government’s goals for educational development in the state.
Prince Kanu said, “Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu is the new Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Catherine Uju Ifejika is the new Chancellor, and Onwubiko Dike is a member of the Governing Council.”
Others, he said, are the “Appointment of new DVCs, 4 members of the Senate: 2 members of the congregation, 1 member of Convocation, I member from Ministry of Education, and an appointment of a new Bursar”, while the appointments take effect from November 1, 2024.
According to the commissioner, this was a fallout of the ABSU visitation panel report as approved for release and publication on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
The panel report had recommended that the former VC should be investigated over his “traditional title and Payroll admission”, among others.
According to the White Paper, “The panel also recommended the withdrawal of the M.Phil certificate and the termination of the PhD programme of the former Bursar, Mr Chucks Chikwendu Nwaogwugwu, due to the irregularities in his admission.”
Earlier based on rumour, the former VC, Prof. Ogbulu, was alleged to be a traditional ruler as well as a university VC and was also said to have resigned.
However on Sunday, when confronted on the allegations, he said he had nothing to say until he got the panel report.
(Punch)