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Why Tinubu Fires Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, Vice Chancellor, Registrar

President Bola Tinubu dismissed the Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s governing council and its officials due to the illegal appointment of an unqualified Vice Chancellor. Aimed at resolving tensions, the government expressed concerns over procedural violations in their selection processes. Similarly, Engr. Salami was removed from his position for unlawful actions at the Federal University of Health Sciences.

Published

2 years ago

November 20, 2024

Optimum Times

…Also Pro-chancellor University Of Health Sciences Otukpo

President Bola Tinubu has attributed his sack of the Governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, its Vice Chancellor as well as the Registrar to illegal appointment of an unqualified Vice Chancellor without due process.

He said: “The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.”

In a statement announcing the termination of their appointments, presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.

He said that the president has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the new Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.

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

In the same vein, he said that President Tinubu also 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 in Otukpo, Benue State.

According to him, “The decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.

“Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be revoked, Engr. Salami refused to comply. Instead, he resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.

“The Federal Government reiterated that the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the act establishing each university.”

President Tinubu warned the councils not to create distractions in their universities as his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards.