The federal government has reinstated Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra state.
Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, permanent secretary at the federal ministry of education, announced Ikechebelu’s reinstatement in a letter issued on Thursday.
“Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, vide letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November, 2024 nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive vice chancellor of the university who was illegally appointed by the dissolved 10th Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the acting vice chancellor of the university with immediate effect,” the letter reads.
“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the university.”
The letter directed Ikechebelu to oversee the university’s administration and refer matters requiring council approval to the education minister until a new governing council is established.
The federal government also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the university’s acting registrar.
Modebelu had previously served in the role before being replaced by Rosemary Nwokike, whose appointment was terminated on Wednesday.
In June 2024, Ikechebelu was appointed acting vice-chancellor of the 33-year-old institution.
However, in July, the university’s 10th governing council controversially replaced him with Bernard Odoh.
The council, chaired by Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of bypassing proper procedures to appoint Odoh.
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the university’s governing council over allegations of illegal appointments.
The council members removed include Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Amioleran Osahon, and Funsho Oyeneyin.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, said the government intervened after reports of illegal practices by the council.
“The government stepped in following reports that the council illegally appointed a vice-chancellor, bypassing established guidelines,” Onanuga said.
