The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the reappointment of Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the new acting vice-chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU).
Ikechebelu’s reappointment as the new vice-chancellor of the university was announced in a letter on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo.
“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,” Sani-Gwarzo said in the letter.
“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the university.”
The permanent secretary directed the new acting vice-chancellor to forward any matter that requires the approval of the now-dissolved council to the minister for his consideration and approval until President Bola Tinubu reconstitutes a new council.
This followed the sack of the controversial seventh substantive vice-chancellor of the university, Bernard Odoh, by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
Ikechebelu, was initially appointed into the position in early June but was sacked in late July by the then-university’s Governing Council.
The government also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the Acting Registrar of the university, popularly known as UNIZIK.
The reappointment of Modebelu who had served in the position before, followed the sack of Rosemary Nwokike as the institution’s substantive registrar by President Tinubu on Wednesday.