The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the dismissal of Dr. Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council.
This decision follows allegations of irregularities in Odoh’s appointment and governance failures by the council.
The announcement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Folashade Boriowo, cited “grave breaches of the laws governing the university” and the council’s disregard for directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the statement, the council’s chairman had “unilaterally appointed a Vice-Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria,” leading to tensions and unrest within the university.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously criticised the council for not following due process in the Vice-Chancellor’s selection and urged the government to intervene.
Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further destabilisation of the institution.
He confirmed the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor in line with the university’s founding act and assured that a new governing council would soon be constituted to restore order and compliance with the law.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring proper governance and adherence to regulations across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
