Just in: FG sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Bernard Odoh, has been relieved of his appointment with immediate effect.

Also, the institution’s Governing Council has been dissolved for grave breaches of university laws and disregard for directives.

The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has announced the actions in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo.

Persecondnews recalls that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the institution’s Governing Council of violating protocols in Odoh’s appointment and demanded the dissolution of the Council over acts of illegalities.

The statement said: “The Federal Government has announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, following grave breaches of the laws governing the university and 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.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that 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 destabilizing the institution.

“The Honourable Minister of Education has also announced the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the Vice-Chancellor who was illegally appointed by the dissolved Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

“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.”