President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the sack of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the dismissal of the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the President dissolved the entire council in response to reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.
Mr. Onanuga also made known that the President also approved the dismissal of the University Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The dissolved council was led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
The Presidential aide stated that 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 disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.
Also Read: Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Vice Chancellor Calls for Unity Amid Challenges
Federal University Of Health Sciences, Otukpo
In the same vein, President 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.
Mr. Onanuga disclosed that the president’s decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.
Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be reversed, the president’s spokesperson said Engr. Salami refused to comply.
“Instead, he resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”
He, however, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to the primary responsibility of university councils, which is to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the act establishing each university.
President Tinubu warned the councils not to create distractions in their universities as his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards.
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