From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has confirmed the reinstatement of Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu as the Acting Vice Chancellor and Mr. Victor Modebelu as the Acting Registrar of the University.
A press release made available to journalists in Awka on Thursday, signed by Njelita Louis, the University Ag. Director of Information and Public Relations, stated that the latest development was in accordance with the directives of the Honourable Minister of Education and the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This decision follows the nullification of the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University, which was deemed to have been illegally executed by the now dissolved 10th Governing Council of the University. The reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu is outlined in the Federal Ministry of Education correspondence: REF. FME/HE/CU/82/T/308 dated 20th November, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani–Gwarzo mni.”
The release stated that Prof. Ikechebelu has been directed to assume full administrative responsibilities for the University, with any matters requiring the approval of the Governing Council to be referred to the Honourable Minister of Education pending the reconstitution of a new Governing Council of the University by the President.
He also disclosed that Victor Modebelu, the erstwhile Acting Registrar who handed over to Rosemary Nwokike, appointed by the now dissolved Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council, was also reinstated and directed by the Permanent Secretary to take charge of the University Registry henceforth.
“The University community is hereby enjoined to offer its full support and cooperation to the reinstated Acting Vice-Chancellor and Acting Registrar as they steer the institution toward fulfilling its academic and administrative mandate,” the release stated.