President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and removed its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, citing violations of due process.
The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of appointing an unqualified vice-chancellor in breach of the university’s governing laws.
The Federal Government’s intervention followed escalating tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the government expressed its disapproval of the council’s disregard for statutory processes.
“The primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the act establishing each university,” the statement read.
Similarly, the President also dismissed Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami’s suspension of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, without adherence to prescribed procedures, was deemed unlawful.
Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension, Salami reportedly refused, resorting instead to abusive behaviour towards ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s focus on enhancing education standards, warning university councils to avoid actions that could undermine institutional stability.
The dissolution underscores the government’s resolve to maintain transparency, accountability, and professionalism in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
