Tinubu dissolves UNIZIK governing council for illegal appointment of VC

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has disbanded the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

The president also approved the removal of the new Vice Chancellor of the university, Bernard Odoh, and the registrar Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.

The pronouncement was confirmed on Wednesday, in a statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,

Onanuga stated that the governing council’s sack followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

The spokesperson said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the new Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.

“The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

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

“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.”