President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and the removal of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, along with the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The move followed allegations of irregularities in the appointment process for the university’s new leadership. The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, also included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
Tinubu Acts to Restore Due Process
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, confirmed the development on Wednesday, citing “the council’s failure to follow due process” in appointing Odoh as vice-chancellor.
Reports indicate the Federal Government intervened after the council bypassed the university’s governing laws and allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate. The controversy had heightened tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
“The Federal Government expressed deep concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s rules during the selection process,”
the statement read.
Federal Ministry Nullifies Odoh’s Appointment
The Ministry of Education had previously nullified Odoh’s appointment on November 1, 2024, due to the exclusion of ministry representatives and other stakeholders from the selection process. The appointment was made despite objections raised by the university’s Senate and unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
During the selection process, the Senate withdrew its participation, demanding that advertised criteria for the position be corrected and republished.
Professorship Controversy Surrounding Odoh
Adding to the controversy, the Federal University Gusau (FUG), Zamfara State, refuted claims that Odoh was ever a visiting professor at the institution. According to FUG, Odoh neither worked as a staff member nor held any academic ties with the university.
In response, Odoh denied the allegations, maintaining that his professorship was legitimate and awarded by FUG. He accused the institution of misrepresenting facts about his academic record.
Firing Spree Hits Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State. Salami reportedly suspended the institution’s vice-chancellor without adhering to proper procedures, prompting the Ministry of Education to intervene.
Despite directives to reverse the suspension, Salami allegedly refused and resorted to threatening ministry officials.
Federal Government Warns Against Mismanagement
President Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to improving education standards across Nigeria. He warned university governing councils against actions that could undermine smooth operations, stressing their role in adhering to legal and procedural guidelines.
The president’s decisive actions aim to restore credibility and stability to Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
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