*
In a shocking move, President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State. This decision also includes the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar, from office ¹ ².
*Controversy Surrounding the Appointment*
The appointment of Prof. Odoh as Vice Chancellor had been marred by controversy, with allegations of irregularities in the selection process. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria had raised concerns about the appointment, stating that it violated established procedures ².
*Federal Government Intervention*
The Federal Ministry of Education had earlier nullified the appointment, citing the Governing Council's failure to follow due process. However, the university's registrar, Mrs. Nwokike, insisted that the council had adhered to a valid court judgment in making the appointment ².
*Reasons Behind the Dissolution*
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the dissolution of the Governing Council was due to its apparent disregard for the university's governing laws in selecting the Vice Chancellor ¹. The council's actions were seen as creating tensions between the university's Senate and the Governing Council.
*Other Removals*
In addition to the UNIZIK Governing Council, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State. Salami's removal was due to his alleged illegal actions, including suspending the Vice Chancellor without following prescribed procedures ¹.
*Implications and Reactions*
The dissolution of the Governing Council and removal of top officials have sparked mixed reactions. While some see this as a necessary step to address the controversies surrounding the appointment, others view it as an overreach of federal power.
ASUU has welcomed the decision, stating that the appointments were illegal and a mockery of the university system ². However, some have expressed concerns about the timing and motivations behind the President's actions.
*What's Next?*
The dissolution of the Governing Council and removal of top officials mark a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding UNIZIK. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the university will move forward and who will be appointed to replace the removed officials.
Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story.