President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Professor Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, alongside the university’s Governing Council, over irregularities in appointments.
The decision, announced in a statement by the President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, cited violations in the processes leading to the appointments of Professor Odoh as Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as Registrar.
The now-dissolved council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included members Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin. The Federal Government noted that Odoh’s selection bypassed statutory guidelines, making him unqualified for the role.
This controversial appointment created tension between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council, necessitating federal intervention. The government criticized the council for failing to uphold its responsibility of ensuring lawful governance in line with the university’s act of establishment.
In a related move, President Tinubu also removed Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami faced allegations of unlawfully suspending the Vice-Chancellor without due process. Despite directives from the Federal Ministry of Education to reinstate the Vice-Chancellor, Salami reportedly defied the orders and allegedly displayed abusive behavior toward ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.