VC Appointment Crisis: FG Dissolves UNIZIK Governing Council

VC Appointment Crisis: FG Dissolves UNIZIK Governing Council

By Fly Cable News

The federal government has dissolved the governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, amid a crisis over the appointment of the university’s Vice Chancellor.

As part of the dissolution, the government has removed Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe as Pro Chancellor, alongside Council members Hon. Hafiz Oladejo, Hon. Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

Additionally, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, was removed for what the government described as his “illegal appointment” by the now-dissolved governing council.

An acting vice-chancellor will be appointed, and a new governing council will be constituted in due course to ensure proper governance and compliance with the law.

The federal government’s action follows allegations of significant legal breaches and defiance of directives from the Federal Ministry of Education. A statement released on Wednesday explained that the governing council’s chairman had unilaterally appointed a vice-chancellor who failed to meet the necessary eligibility criteria. This decision had reportedly caused significant unrest and disorder within the university community.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stressed that immediate action was required to prevent further deterioration of the situation, as the governing council’s decisions posed a serious threat to the university’s stability.

In line with the university’s founding regulations, the government will appoint an acting vice-chancellor and form a new governing council to restore order and ensure the institution operates within the boundaries of the law.

These changes are effective immediately, as part of the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s educational institutions.