Tinubu dissolves varsity Governing Council, sacks VC, Registrar

President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and the Registrar, Rosemary Ifoema Nwokik.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Onanuga noted that the council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members – Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin (rtd).

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

The presidential spokesman stated: “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.”

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Onanuga announced that 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.

Onanuga said the decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.

He stated that despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be revoked, Salami refused to comply.

Onanuga added: “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.”

He quoted Tinubu as warning the councils not to create distractions in their universities, saying his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards.

The Star