President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike as Registrar.
The now-dissolved council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, it was revealed that the dissolution was prompted by reports that the council had illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor, violating due process in the selection process.
“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.”
President Tinubu warned the councils not to create distractions in their universities as his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards.
(DailyTrust)