Tinubu dissolves UNIZIK governing council over appointment of ‘unqualified VC’

President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu also approved the removal of Bernard Odoh, the new vice chancellor, and Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.

The council, led by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process,” the statement reads.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 23-year-old institution.

“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”

In another development, Tinubu also approved the removal of Ohieku Muhammed Salami as pro-chancellor and chair of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue state.

“This decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following proper procedures,” the statement adds.

“Despite a call from the Federal Ministry of Education to revoke the suspension, Salami refused to comply.

“Instead, he allegedly resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour toward the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.”

He said the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth running of university activities in line with the laws that establish them.

The president warned university councils not to create distractions as his government works to improve the country’s education system.