The federal government has reinstated Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.

Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, permanent secretary at the federal ministry of education, announced Ikechebelu’s reinstatement in a letter issued on Thursday.

“Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, vide letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November, 2024 nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive vice chancellor of the university who was illegally appointed by the dissolved 10th Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the acting vice chancellor of the university with immediate effect,” the letter reads.

“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the university.”

The letter directed Ikechebelu to oversee the university’s administration and refer matters requiring council approval to the education minister until a new governing council is established.

The federal government also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the university’s acting registrar.

Modebelu had previously served in the role before being replaced by Rosemary Nwokike, whose appointment was terminated on Wednesday.

BACKGROUND

In June 2024, Ikechebelu was appointed acting vice-chancellor of the 33-year-old institution.

However, in July, the university’s 10th governing council controversially replaced him with Bernard Odoh.

The council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of bypassing proper procedures to appoint Odoh.

TINUBU DISSOLVES GOVERNING COUNCIL

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the university’s governing council over allegations of illegal appointments.

The council members removed include Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said the government intervened after reports of illegal practices by the council.

“The government stepped in following reports that the council illegally appointed a vice-chancellor, bypassing established guidelines,” Onanuga said.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate swap of the pro-chancellors and chairmen of the governing councils for the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), and Federal University, Lokoja.

In the reshuffling, Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), who currently serves as the pro-chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, will take over at FUOYE.

A statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Kayode Ojo, who previously held a similar position at FUOYE, will now assume the role at Lokoja.

“This strategic change is part of President Tinubu’s initiative to foster diversity and national cohesion in the management of the country’s universities,” the statement added.

Earlier, the president dissolved the governing board of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state, over the appointment of an “unqualified VC”.

Tinubu also approved the removal of Bernard Odoh, the new vice chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu also approved the removal of Bernard Odoh, the new vice chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.

The council, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

In another development, Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohieku Muhammed Salami as pro-chancellor and chair of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue state.

“This decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following proper procedures,” the statement adds.

“Despite a call from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the suspension, Salami refused to comply.

“Instead, he allegedly resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour toward the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”

He said the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth running of university activities in line with the laws that establish them.

The president warned university councils not to create distractions as his government works to improve the country’s education system.