By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, alongside the removal of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.
This decision follows allegations of illegalities in the appointment process of the Vice-Chancellor, deemed inconsistent with due process.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Retired General Funsho Oyeneyin.
Reports revealed that the council bypassed proper guidelines in appointing the Vice-Chancellor, creating tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government intervened to address the growing crisis and reaffirm the necessity of adhering to established governance laws in university operations.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.
This decision stemmed from Salami’s alleged misconduct, including the unlawful suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to prescribed procedures.
Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply, instead resorting to abusive and threatening actions against senior Ministry officials.
The Federal Government underscored that the primary role of university governing councils is to ensure the seamless functioning of academic institutions in line with their foundational acts.
President Tinubu emphasised that councils must avoid creating unnecessary distractions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing Nigeria’s educational standards.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a press release said the actions reaffirm the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for mismanagement in the education sector and its dedication to upholding integrity and accountability in the governance of tertiary institutions.
