The Federal Government has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, over “grave breaches of the laws governing the university’’.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa gave the order in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, by Mrs Folashade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry.
Alausa said the dissolution was sequel to the Council’s disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
“The decision comes after it was 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.
“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 destabilising the institution,’’ Alausa said.
The Minister also announced the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, Vice-Chancellor of the university who was illegally appointed by the dissolved Council of the institution.
“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 law.
“All these changes are with immediate effect. The 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,” he said.
In a related development, Alausa also announced the re-assigning of the Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of the Governing Councils of the Federal Universities Oye-Ekiti and Lokoja to enhance national cohesion and improve the governance of the institutions.
“Following an approval by President Bola Tinubu, the swapping involves Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba being reassigned as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, while Engr. Kayode Ojo will assume the same role at the Federal University, Lokoja.
“This change comes after it was noted that the current Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Kayode Ojo, is an indigene of Ekiti State.
“As part of the Ministry’s commitment to promoting national integration and ensuring impartial oversight, it is the standard practice for Pro-Chancellors to be appointed from outside the state of the university.
“This ensures unbiased governance and supports the core values of diversity and national unity,’’ he explained.
Alausa emphasised that the reassignment was a step towards strengthening the leadership structure of Nigeria’s federal universities, ensuring that they operate under fair and inclusive governance.
He said the changes were with immediate effect, adding that it would positively impact the effective administration and development of the universities, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian people.