President Tinubu Dissolves Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, Removes Vice-Chancellor, Registrar

President Bola Tinubu approved the dissolution of the governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State's Awka on Wednesday, after reports surfaced that they appointed the vice-chancellor "without following due process."

This decision also included the removal of the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh and the registrar Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike. Special Adviser to the president on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga announced the dissolution in Abuja on Wednesday through a statement, which was shared on X.

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

Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.

This decision came after Salami's illegal actions, including suspending the vice-chancellor without following the proper procedures. Even after the Federal Ministry of Education called for the suspension to be canceled, Salami refused to comply.

Instead, he engaged in abusive and threatening behavior towards the ministry's directors, including the permanent secretary. The federal government emphasized that university councils were responsible for ensuring smooth operations in line with the laws governing each university.

Tinubu warned the councils to avoid creating disruptions in their universities, as his government was focused on improving education standards in the country.

Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who was currently the pro-chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, will now take over at Federal University Oye-Ekiti. Engineer Kayode Ojo, who previously held the same position at Oye-Ekiti, will now take on the role at Lokoja.

"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," Onanuga said.

He explained that this change was part of the president's effort to promote diversity and national unity in the management of the country's universities.