In a decisive move to address growing concerns over leadership at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the university’s governing council and removed key officials, including the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike. The decision comes amid controversy surrounding Odoh’s appointment and mounting pressure from the university’s Senate and other stakeholders.
The dissolution of the governing council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, follows allegations of irregularities in the vice-chancellor appointment process. The Federal Government expressed concerns that the council bypassed established protocols and laws governing university appointments. This action triggered a rift between the council and the university's Senate, which had previously raised alarms about the selection process.
The focus of the controversy centers on Prof. Odoh's academic credentials, particularly claims that he falsely presented himself as a visiting professor at the Federal University of Gusau. The university quickly debunked these claims, stating that Odoh had never held an academic position there. This revelation deepened doubts about the validity of Odoh's qualifications, prompting the Federal Ministry of Education to nullify his appointment on November 1. The ministry cited a lack of transparency and failure to involve key stakeholders, such as ministry representatives, in the selection process.
In response to the governance crisis, the UNIZIK Senate took a stand by announcing it would suspend its involvement in future vice-chancellor appointments until the university’s selection criteria were re-evaluated and made more transparent. This move signals growing frustration with the governing council’s handling of appointments and raises broader questions about the accountability of university leadership.
President Tinubu's intervention reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring that university governance is in line with legal standards and transparency. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining academic stability and avoiding unnecessary distractions in universities. His government has reiterated that university councils must prioritize the efficient and lawful operation of institutions in accordance with their founding laws.
The situation at UNIZIK highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigerian universities in terms of leadership and governance. As tensions rise, the Federal Government's action underscores the need for more rigorous adherence to legal frameworks and ethical practices in the selection of university officials.
