By Gabriel Dike
The federal government on Wednesday announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, over the crisis that rocked the selection of a new vice chancellor for the 33-year-old institution.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government also announced the dismissal of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, along with four other council members.
According to the statement, the dissolution followed grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
It reads: “The dissolution comes after it was found that the chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed a vice chancellor who did not meet the minimum criteria for the position. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony.”
Folasade said the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasised that urgent measures were required to prevent further deterioration of the situation at UNIZIK, as the illegal decision taken by the governing council posed a significant risk of further destabilising the institution.
The statement added: “As part of the decision, the following members of the Governing Council have been removed: Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe (Pro-Chancellor), Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and General Funsho Oyeneyin (retired).”
She further disclosed that the Minister also announced the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the vice chancellor, who was illegally appointed by the dissolved governing council of UNIZIK.
In accordance with the university’s founding Act, an acting vice chancellor will be appointed, and a new governing council for the university will be constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the laws.
“All changes are with immediate effect. This step aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the nation’s educational institutions,” Folasade stressed.