BREAKING: President Tinubu Dissolves Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council, Sacks Vice-Chancellor Bernard Odoh and Registrar

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, alongside the dismissal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the newly appointed vice-chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.

The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the decision followed allegations that the council violated due process by appointing an unqualified vice-chancellor.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government intervened to resolve disputes between the university’s Senate and its governing council. The government was alarmed by the council’s apparent disregard for university laws in its selection process,” the statement read.

The Federal Ministry of Education had previously nullified Odoh’s appointment, citing irregularities in the selection process, including the exclusion of ministry representatives and other key stakeholders.

Controversy over Odoh’s appointment initially arose from accusations of discrepancies in his academic profile. Critics, including the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, flagged irregularities during the selection process.

One of the main points of contention was Odoh’s claim to a professorship at Federal University, Gusau. The institution denied that Odoh was ever employed or held an academic position there. It stated that he was not part of its geology department or involved in teaching any courses.

In response, Odoh refuted the allegations, insisting his professorship was legitimate and that he had fulfilled all required academic and professional criteria.

The Federal Ministry of Education declared Odoh’s appointment void on November 1, 2024. In a letter addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and signed by Mrs. R.G. Ilyasu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the ministry emphasized the need for reconciliation with aggrieved parties before any appointments.

The President’s decision underscores his administration’s focus on ensuring accountability and adherence to the rule of law within the education sector.