Confusion in UNIZIK as Governing Council Removes VC Ikechebelu, Appoints Umobi

The governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has appointed Prof Carol Umobi as acting vice chancellor of the university.

There is however confusion in the institution as the university insists that a meeting of the governing council which was chaired by the chairman of the council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, ended in stalemate.

The council during its meeting on Saturday at the council Chambers removed acting vice chancellor, Prof Joe Ikechebelu.

Ikechebelu has been acting vice chancellor for a little less than two months, after taking over from outgone Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone.

A letter from the governing council of the university, which was signed by the chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe congratulated Umobi on the appointment.

The letter which was presented to Umobi read in part: “I am pleased to inform you that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007, the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on recommendation of the University Senate. 

“Your appointment is for a period not later than six (6) months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities. 

“On behalf of the Governing Council, I extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment. We have full confidence in your ability to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success in this rule. 

“Please note that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitors to the University. Once again, congratulations on your appointment.”

Meanwhile, the acting registrar of the university, Prof Samuel Ufoh has insisted that the meeting ended in a stalemate.

In a press statement, Ufoh said: “At the 9th Emergency Meeting of the 10” Governing Council held on 20th July, 2024, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Amb. Greg. O. Mbadiwe, read out a letter purported to have emanated from the University Senate and claimed to be signed by 24 members as the members of Senate in attendance.

“The controversy that emanated from the purported letter resulted in the Pro-Chancellor, Chairman of Council and other external members of Council walking out of the meeting. The meeting  ended without a decision and status quo ante retained.”

There had been heavy militarisation of the institution on Saturday during the governing council meeting, as trucks loaded with fully armed soldiers invaded the institution, after which the former acting vice chancellor was removed.

David-Chyddy Eleke in 

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