President Tinubu Dissolves Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, Removes Vice-Chancellor and Registrar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and relieved the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, of their duties.
The council, previously chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, also included 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 decision was made due to the council’s appointment of an unqualified vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University through an irregular and unlawful process that contravened the university’s governing laws.
This action caused significant tension between the university’s Senate and the council, prompting federal intervention.
The statement emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding due process and maintaining effective governance in tertiary institutions. It called on university councils to strictly adhere to their legal frameworks to ensure smooth academic and administrative operations.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. Salami was dismissed for his unauthorized suspension of the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following due procedures. Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused to comply and engaged in threatening behavior toward senior officials.
The President’s actions reaffirm the federal government’s stance on accountability, rule of law, and transparency in managing Nigeria’s higher education sector. Institutions are urged to operate within the confines of their enabling laws to promote good governance and academic excellence.
