Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
President Bola Tinubu has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting Vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
Ikechebelu’s reinstatement followed the president’s sack of Professor Benard Odoh as VC and the dissolution of the Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council of the institution.
Recall that Ikechebelu was the acting VC upon the expiration of the tenure of the 6th substantive Vice-chancellor, Professor Charles Esimone, before he was forcefully removed and replaced by Professor Carol Arinze-Umeobi in the same acting capacity.
In the latter developments, Prof Arinze-Umeobi made way for Prof Odoh, who was appointed as the 7th substantive VC by the now dissolved Mbadiwe-led governing council only for the Federal Government to nullify the appointment in order for a new acting VC.
A letter dated 20th November, 2024 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, announced the reinstatement pending the reconstitution of a new Governing Council for the university.
The letter which was addressed to Ikechebelu read: “Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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 Honorable Minister to reinstate you as the Acting Vice-chancellor of the university with immediate effect.
“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the university.
“Take note that henceforth any matter that requires the approval of the Governing Council shall be forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for his consideration and approval pending the reconstitution of a new Governing Council for the university by Mr President.”
