President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bio Onanuga, confirmed that the decision also includes the removal of newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Bernard Odoh and Registrar Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike.
The now-disbanded council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon and Funsho Onyenyin.
“The action to dismiss the Governing Council and officials follows reports that the Council illegally appointed an ineligible Vice-Chancellor without following due process,” the statement said.
“Following the controversial appointment, the federal government stepped in to resolve tensions between the university's senate and the governing council of the 23-year-old institution.
“The Government expressed concern at the Council's apparent disregard for the University's governing laws in the selection process.”
In a separate development, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohiku Muhammad Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
“This decision has been taken following Salami's illegal actions, including suspending the vice chancellor without following proper procedures,” the statement said. “Despite calls from the Federal Education Ministry to revoke the suspension, Salami refused to comply.
“Instead, he allegedly resorted to abusive and threatening behavior towards directors of the ministry, including the Permanent Secretary.”
Onanuga stressed that the primary responsibility of the University Councils is to ensure the smooth conduct of university activities in line with the laws governing them.
President Tinubu also issued a warning to university councils, urging them not to create unnecessary distractions as his administration focuses on reforming the country's education system.
Farida Abdulkadiri
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