President Bola Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
He also approved the dismissal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the recently appointed Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, the university registrar.
According to Onanuga, the council, chaired by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and a retired general.
He stated that the dismissal of the governing council and officials was prompted by reports that the council had unlawfully appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor, bypassing due process.
He further explained that, following the contentious appointment, the Federal Government intervened to resolve the conflict between the university’s Senate and its governing council in the 33-year-old institution.
The presidential aide noted that the government was alarmed by the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing regulations during the selection process.
Similarly, Onanuga announced that President Tinubu approved the removal of Mr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
He explained that the decision was based on Salami’s unlawful actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to proper procedures.
Onanuga added that despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reverse the illegal suspension, Salami refused to comply.
“Instead, he engaged in abusive and threatening behavior towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary,” he stated.
The Federal Government emphasized that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth functioning of university operations in line with the laws establishing each institution.
Onanuga stated that Tinubu cautioned university councils against causing disruptions, emphasizing that his administration is committed to enhancing the nation’s education standards.
