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The federal government has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, following the nullification of the controversial appointment of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the university’s substantive vice-chancellor.
The announcement was made in a letter issued on Thursday by Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the permanent secretary of the federal ministry of education. The letter stated that the decision was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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 read.
Professor Ikechebelu was also instructed to “take charge of the administration of the university” and refer any matters requiring council approval to the minister of education until a new governing council is constituted.
In a related development, the federal government also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the university’s acting registrar. Modebelu, who had previously held the role, was replaced by Rosemary Nwokike in a controversial appointment. However, Nwokike’s appointment was terminated on Wednesday.
Professor Ikechebelu was initially appointed as the acting vice-chancellor of UNIZIK in June 2024. However, his tenure was abruptly cut short in July when the university’s 10th governing council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, controversially replaced him with Professor Benard Odoh. The council faced accusations of bypassing due process in Odoh’s appointment.
On Wednesday, President Tinubu dissolved the university’s governing council over allegations of illegal appointments. Those affected by the dissolution include Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.
Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, clarified the government’s intervention. “The government stepped in following reports that the council illegally appointed a vice-chancellor, bypassing established guidelines,” Onanuga said.
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