Prof. Carol Umobi has officially taken over as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, after a challenging period for the institution.
Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, who had been overseeing the university for the past two months, has returned to his previous role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
The transition occurred on Monday, July 22. Before the handover, the new pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, directed Ikechebelu to relinquish the office or face disciplinary action.
Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, special adviser to the vice chancellor on special duties and public relations, announced the change at the institution’s Senate Chambers.
“There’s no crisis or war in the school as being reported on social media platforms, and you can see yourself that everywhere in the school is calm, and the Acting Vice Chancellor is addressing the students’ leadership in her office,” Ojukwu said.
He emphasized that the handover was peaceful and in line with the orders from the Governing Council’s Chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe. Ojukwu clarified that the Governing Council is the final authority in such matters and noted that Prof. Ikechebelu was never officially appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor but served as overseer after the former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, completed his tenure.
Before the handover, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe had threatened disciplinary action against Prof. Ikechebelu if he did not transfer the office to Prof. Carol Umobi immediately.
Ojukwu also mentioned that the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) would be filled soon.
The university has faced a leadership crisis, leading the Academic Staff Union of Universities – NAU to urge the Council to appoint a new Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Prof. Umobi was elected as interim Acting Vice Chancellor by the Senate on Saturday and was sworn in by the Governing Council.
Prof. Ikechebelu, who had taken over the role on June 4 after being handed over by Prof. Charles Esimone, maintained that he was the Acting Vice Chancellor because he was the only Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the time.
Ojukwu concluded by saying, “Our priority is to ensure the university remains a safe and productive environment for all students and staff. We trust the new leadership will bring stability and progress to Unizik.”
