The federal government has dissolved the governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, following a crisis surrounding the appointment of the university’s Vice Chancellor. As part of the dissolution, key officials, including Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, have been removed, along with other council members, including Hon. Hafiz Oladejo, Hon. Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

In addition to the dissolution of the governing council, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, was removed due to what the federal government called his “illegal appointment” by the now-disbanded council. The government’s swift action follows claims of significant legal violations and defiance of directives from the Federal Ministry of Education, prompting concerns over the university’s governance.

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According to a statement released by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the governing council’s chairman had unilaterally appointed a Vice Chancellor who did not meet the required eligibility criteria, resulting in widespread unrest within the university community. The Minister emphasized the urgency of this decision, stressing that immediate intervention was essential to avoid further instability at the institution.

As part of efforts to restore order, the government has announced that an acting vice-chancellor will be appointed, and a new governing council will be established in the near future. These measures aim to ensure the university operates within legal frameworks and continues to function smoothly.

This move by the federal government underscores its ongoing commitment to promoting good governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s higher education sector.