The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have reinstated Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the Acting Vice-Chancellor, effective immediately. The announcement was made on November 21, 2024, in a press statement issued by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Njelita Louis.

This decision follows the invalidation of Prof. Bernard Odoh’s appointment as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor, which was ruled as illegal by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council. According to the statement, Prof. Ikechebelu will resume his full administrative duties without delay.

In addition to the Vice-Chancellor’s reinstatement, Mr. Victor Modebelu has been appointed as the Acting Registrar, taking over from Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, whose appointment was also nullified by the same council.

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The statement clarified that these changes come in response to the directives from the Honourable Minister of Education and approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Ministry of Education’s communication, signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, confirms the decision.

With the dissolution of the previous governing council, all administrative matters requiring council approval will be directed to the Minister of Education until a new council is established by the President. The university community has been called to support the reinstated leadership as they navigate the responsibilities of leading Nnamdi Azikiwe University.