Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), has announced the reinstatement of Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution with immediate effect.
The announcement was made in a press statement signed by the university’s Director of Information and Public Relations/Protocol Officer, Njelita Louis, on Thursday.
Nullification of Previous Appointments
The statement revealed that the decision follows the nullification of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh’s appointment as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor. Odoh’s appointment was declared illegal and attributed to actions by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council of the university.
Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Education nullified the appointment of Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as substantive Registrar, reinstating Mr. Victor Ikechukwu Modebelu as Acting Registrar.
Ministerial Directives
The reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu and Mr. Modebelu was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and conveyed through a Federal Ministry of Education correspondence, Ref: FME/HE/CU/82°/1/308, dated 20th November 2024, signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo.
The statement read:
“This is to inform the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community and the general public that, in accordance with the directives of the Honourable Minister of Education and the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with immediate effect.
“This decision follows the nullification of the appointment of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor, which was deemed illegally executed by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council of the university.”
Next Steps for UNIZIK Leadership
Prof. Ikechebelu has been directed to assume full administrative responsibilities for the university immediately. Until a new Governing Council is constituted by the President, any matters requiring council approval will be referred to the Minister of Education.
The university community has been urged to support the reinstated Acting Vice-Chancellor and Acting Registrar in carrying out their duties.
UNIZIK’s leadership has assured staff and students of a continued commitment to achieving the university’s academic and administrative goals.
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