Nnamdi Azikiwe University Reinstates Prof. Ikechebelu as Acting Vice-Chancellor Amid Leadership Dispute

Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, has officially reinstated Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the Acting Vice-Chancellor with immediate effect. This decision was announced through a statement issued by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations/Protocol Officer, Njelita Louis, on Thursday. Prof. Ikechebelu’s reinstatement comes amid ongoing disputes surrounding the university’s leadership and the legality of appointments made by the now-dissolved Governing Council.

The move follows a controversial resolution by President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the university’s Governing Council and remove Prof. Bernard Odoh, who had been appointed as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor, as well as Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the Registrar. The council, under the leadership of Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, had included several other members, including Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

The dissolution and subsequent removal of the officials were based on findings that the council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odoh, in violation of due process. According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information & Strategy, the President’s approval to dissolve the council came in response to concerns that Prof. Odoh’s appointment was executed unlawfully, as reported by various stakeholders.

In the statement, Louis clarified that the reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu was a direct result of the nullification of Prof. Odoh’s appointment, which had been deemed illegal by the dissolved council. The university confirmed that Prof. Ikechebelu would now assume full administrative duties, including overseeing the day-to-day operations of the institution until a new governing council is constituted.

Additionally, the university’s management announced that Mr. Victor Modebelu had been appointed as Acting Registrar, following the invalidation of Mrs. Nwokike’s appointment. Like Prof. Odoh’s position, Nwokike’s role had been challenged and deemed illegal by the dissolved Governing Council.

The statement further detailed the procedural changes that would follow the university’s leadership restructuring: “This decision is in accordance with the directives of the Honourable Minister of Education and the approval granted by President Bola Tinubu, which stipulates that Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, effective immediately.”

The university also clarified that Prof. Ikechebelu, as Acting Vice-Chancellor, would manage all administrative matters at the institution. For issues requiring the approval of the Governing Council, the university noted that such matters would be referred to the Minister of Education until a new council is appointed.

The announcement also emphasized that the university community, including faculty, staff, and students, must offer their full support to the reinstated Acting Vice-Chancellor and Acting Registrar as they take on their roles in steering the institution forward. The university urged cooperation to ensure that it continues to fulfill its academic and administrative mandates during this transitional period.

Furthermore, the university noted that Prof. Ikechebelu’s appointment marks the end of the leadership crisis at the institution, which has caused significant concern within the academic community. As Nnamdi Azikiwe University moves forward, the new leadership is expected to address the ongoing challenges and uphold the university’s academic integrity.