According to a report by Okey Maduforo on Wednesday, the prolonged dispute over the Vice-Chancellorship of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has come to an abrupt end with the Federal Government dissolving the university’s Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
Among those affected by the sweeping decision are the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, and the Registrar, Barr. Rosemary Nwokike. Other sacked members of the council include Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Retired Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
This sudden development has sent shockwaves through the university community and stakeholders alike.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIZIK chapter, clarified its position on Wednesday, stating that it had no vested interest in the matter and only acted on directives from its local body.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the government disclosed that the sack followed reports of irregularities in the appointment of an unqualified Vice-Chancellor by the council, which failed to adhere to due process.
Onanuga recounted that the Federal Government intervened after the contentious appointment sparked tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 23-year-old institution. He noted the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.
In addition, President Tinubu 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, Otukpo, Benue State. According to Onanuga, Salami’s actions, including the illegal suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following due procedures, led to his removal.
Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the unlawful suspension, Engr. Salami reportedly defied the orders and exhibited abusive and threatening behavior towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reaffirmed the primary responsibility of university councils: to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the acts establishing these institutions. President Tinubu warned university councils to avoid distractions as his administration remains focused on improving the country’s education standards.
Speaking on the matter, the Chairman of ASUU, UNIZIK chapter, Comrade Kingsley Ubaorji, told reporters during a phone interview on Wednesday that he had “no personal reaction” to the development.
“I only did what my branch asked me to do. They said we should protest, so we protested. They said we should go to court, and we went to court. They told us to write to the National Secretariat of ASUU, and we did. We only acted on directives and nothing more,” Ubaorji stated.
He further explained: “After following the directives, including engaging the press, we stepped back, and the National Secretariat took over. It’s nothing exceptional. My interest has always been in ensuring a level playing field and fighting for justice, which is what our members initiated. This was a roadmap started after our election, and today, we give God the glory for where we are.”
