By Divine Sam
On November 20, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State. He also removed Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the institution, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the university’s Registrar.
The decision came after reports emerged that the Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice Chancellor without following due process. The action was taken following growing tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council. Tinubu expressed concern over the Council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws during the selection process.
In addition to the UNIZIK shake-up, Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. This followed Salami’s illegal suspension of the university’s Vice Chancellor without adhering to the prescribed procedures. Salami’s failure to comply with a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the suspension, along with reports of his abusive behavior towards Ministry officials, led to his dismissal.
The President warned university councils against creating distractions, emphasizing that his government remains focused on improving the nation’s education standards.