Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced immediate dissolution of Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
The dissolution came barely one month after the appointment of Professor Benard Odoh as the 7th substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.
A statement from the Federal Ministry of Education signed by the Director Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the dissolution was part of urgent measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation at the institution.
The governing council members removed by the order include the Pro-Chancellor, Amb Greg Mbadiwe; Hon Hafiz Oladejo; Hon Augustine Onyedebelu; Engr Amioleran Osahon; and Rtd Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
Folasade said the decision followed grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education. He also said decisions taken by the Council members were illegal and posed significant risk of further destabilising the institution.
“It was found that the chairman of the governing council unilaterally appointed a vice-chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community causing tension and disharmony.
“The Honorable minister of education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has also announced the removal of Prof Odoh, the Vice-chancellor, who he said was illegally appointed by the dissolved governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“In accordance with the university’s founding act, an Acting Vice-chancellor will be appointed, and a new governing council for the university will be constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law,” Folasade said.
When contacted by Ikengaonline to confirm the development, the Acting Public Relations Officer of UNIZIK, Barr Okwudili Njerita, said he has not been officially communicated on any development as such.
“I’m yet to confirm that story. The story has been flying around but officially, there has not been any official communication to my office to respond. I’m still eager to see what is going on and will brief you later,” he said.
