KEY POINTS
- Tinubu dissolved the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council.
- The vice-chancellor was removed over alleged irregularities.
- Education ministry plans interim leadership to restore order.
NAU Governing Council dissolved amid appointment controversy
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, and the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, were dismissed by President Bola Tinubu, who also disbanded the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), located in Awka, Anambra State.
Tinubu also gave his approval for Ohieku Salami to be removed from his position as Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the president made the announcement on Wednesday.
The “President Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, VC, and Registrar” statement explained the rationale behind the significant adjustments.
Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe presided over the disbanded council at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, which was composed of retired Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin, Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Amioleran Osahon.
“Reports that the council unlawfully appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process led to the council and officials being sacked,” Onanuga said.
According to Punch, the dispute has caused a great deal of friction between the 33-year-old university’s Senate and Governing Council. To end the crisis and bring peace back, the federal government stepped in.
Education ministry confirms removals, promises new appointments
In a different statement, the Federal Ministry of Education also affirmed Odoh’s dismissal and the council’s disbandment. Folashade Boriowo, the ministry’s director of press and public relations, signed the statement, which stressed that the appointment process had violated the university’s governing statutes.
In a previous accusation, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said the council had violated due process in choosing the vice-chancellor. ASUU demanded that the council be dissolved and that remedial action be done.
The government claims that the council’s actions—such as the arbitrary appointment of an ineligible vice-chancellor—caused disturbances within the institution and sparked intense disagreement among interested parties.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, emphasised how urgent it is to handle the situation in order to stop additional unrest. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to make sure the university’s laws are followed.
A new Governing Council is being planned, and an acting vice-chancellor will be appointed in the interim. According to the ministry, the objective is to maintain due process, provide appropriate governance, and bring peace back to the campus.
The Federal Government’s resolve to rectify errors in public university management and impose accountability at all levels is reflected in the actions taken at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
