President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and removed its newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, alongside the registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.

The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of appointing an unqualified vice-chancellor without adhering to due process. The Federal Government intervened following tensions between the university’s Senate and the council, expressing concerns over the council’s disregard for the institution’s governing laws during the selection process.

The sacked council members include Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

In a related development, 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, Otukpo, Benue State. Salami was accused of unlawfully suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor and refusing to comply with directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the suspension. Reports also highlighted abusive and threatening behavior towards ministry officials.

The Federal Government reiterated that university councils must operate within the laws governing their institutions and avoid actions that disrupt university activities. President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving education standards nationwide.

The announcement was made in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on November 20, 2024.