The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in Anambra State, have reinstated Professor Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, effective immediately. This announcement was made in a press release issued on Thursday by the university’s Director of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis.
The development comes shortly after reports that President Bola Tinubu approved the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council, as well as the removal of Professor Bernard Odoh and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike from their positions as Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, respectively. The council, which had been led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, also included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Retired General Funsho Oyeneyin.
The dissolution of the council and the removal of the officials followed concerns that the council had unlawfully appointed a Vice-Chancellor without adhering to the proper legal procedures. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, this decision was based on reports indicating that Professor Odoh’s appointment was not in compliance with university governance protocols.
In the same statement, Louis clarified that the decision to reinstate Professor Ikechebelu was based on the nullification of Professor Odoh’s appointment as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor. The nullification deemed Odoh’s appointment to be legally invalid, following the dissolution of the 10th Governing Council. As a result, Professor Ikechebelu has been directed to resume full administrative control of the university.
Furthermore, Mr. Victor Modebelu has been appointed as Acting Registrar, replacing Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, whose appointment as Registrar was also invalidated.
The press release elaborated: “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 President Bola Tinubu, Professor Joseph I. Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, effective immediately.”
The statement further emphasized that the nullification of Professor Odoh’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor followed its classification as an illegal action by the now-dissolved Governing Council. The reinstatement was confirmed in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, dated November 20, 2024, and signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo.
The communication also noted that Professor Ikechebelu has been authorized to assume full administrative duties, with any matters requiring the approval of the governing council to be directed to the Minister of Education until a new council is appointed by President Tinubu.
Additionally, the Honourable Minister of Education approved the reinstatement of Mr. Victor Ikechukwu Modebelu as Acting Registrar, after Mrs. Nwokike’s appointment was also nullified. Like the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment, the registrar’s appointment had been deemed illegal by the previous Governing Council.
The university administration has urged the entire Nnamdi Azikiwe University community to extend their full cooperation and support to both Professor Ikechebelu and Mr. Modebelu as they assume their leadership roles in overseeing the academic and administrative functions of the institution. The university is expected to continue its academic mission under their guidance as it works toward stabilizing its leadership structure.
