President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
He also removed the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, and the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, citing irregularities in their appointments.
This was announced on Wednesday in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, VC, and Registrar.”
According to the statement, the NAU Governing Council, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, breached university laws by appointing a vice-chancellor who did not meet the minimum requirements.
“The Federal Government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process,” said Onanuga.
The Federal Ministry of Education confirmed the removal of Odoh and the dissolution of the Governing Council in a separate statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folashade Boriowo.
“The Federal Government has announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University following grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education,” the statement read.
It was noted that the illegal actions of the council caused tension and disharmony within the university.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, emphasized that immediate action was necessary to restore stability. “Urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities had earlier accused the council of bypassing due process in appointing Odoh, calling for its dissolution over alleged illegalities.
The Education Ministry assured that an Acting Vice-Chancellor would be appointed soon and a new Governing Council constituted to ensure proper governance.
