Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Reinstates Acting Vice-Chancellor and Acting Registrar
In a significant administrative shift, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, has reinstated Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the Acting Vice-Chancellor effective immediately. This decision was revealed in a press release signed by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Njelita Louis, on Thursday.
According to the statement, the reinstatement comes after the appointment of Prof. Bernard Odoh as the substantive Vice-Chancellor was nullified due to its illegality, as determined by the dissolved 10th Governing Council of the university. Prof. Ikechebelu has been instructed to assume complete administrative control of the university without delay.
In a related development, Mr. Victor Modebelu has been appointed as Acting Registrar, succeeding Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, whose appointment as substantive Registrar has also been annulled on similar grounds.
The official statement noted: “This announcement is made to inform both the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community and the public that, following directions from the Honourable Minister of Education and approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with immediate effect.”
The statement continued to explain that the reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu aligns with correspondence from the Federal Ministry of Education, Ref: FME/HE/CU/82°/1/308, dated November 20, 2024, which was signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo. Furthermore, it emphasized that Prof. Ikechebelu is authorized to handle all administrative duties, with any issues requiring the governing council’s approval needing to be forwarded to the Minister of Education until a new council is constituted by President Tinubu.
In addition, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved Mr. Victor Ikechukwu Modebelu’s reinstatement as Acting Registrar, following the annulment of Mrs. Nwokike’s previous appointment. Just like the Vice-Chancellor’s reinstatement, this action comes in the wake of the council’s determination regarding its legality.
The university community is encouraged to extend its full support and cooperation to both the reinstated Acting Vice-Chancellor and Acting Registrar as they guide the institution in meeting its academic and administrative objectives.
Join our Channel...