The Federal Ministry of Education has taken drastic measures to address the ongoing crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State. The governing council has been dissolved due to "grave breaches of the laws governing the university" and disregard for directives from the Education Ministry.
In a press release made available to our correspondent by the director of press and public relations in the federal ministry of education reads thus "The Federal government has announced the dissolution of the governing council of Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka, Anambra state, following the grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the federal ministry of Education."
The release went further to state that "The decision comes after it found that the chairman of the governing council unilaterally appointed a Vice Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony."
The honorable minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in the statement emphasized that urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University as the illegal decisions taken by the governing council posed a significant risk of further destabilizing the institution.
As part of the dissolution, the following members of the governing council have been removed, Amb Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe-Pro Chancellor, Hon. Hafiz Oladejo- Council Member, Hon. Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr Amioleran Osahon, Rtd Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin
Consequently, the Honorable Minister of Education of education has also announced the removal of Dr Bernard Odoh, the Vice Chancellor who was illegally appointed by the dissolved Governing council of Nnamdi Azikwe University. 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 consiutiuted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law.
The statement says that all these changes are with immediate effect. This step is in accordance with the federal government commitment to good Governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the nation’s educational institutions.
Reason for their removal was based on the fact that
the chairman of the governing council unilaterally appointed a Vice Chancellor, Dr. Bernard Odoh, who didn't meet the minimum eligibility criteria. This led to a breakdown of law and order, causing tension and disharmony within the university community.
Dr. Bernard Odoh, the illegally appointed Vice Chancellor, has also been removed and an acting Vice Chancellor will be appointed, and a new governing council will also be constituted to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law.