- Safiu Kehinde
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has affirmed the sacking of its embattled Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, while reinstating Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu as its Acting VC.
This was contained in a leaked internal memorandum issued on Thursday by the institution’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Njelita Louis.
According to the statement, the management affirmed Odoh’s removal in accordance to President Bola Tinubu’s directive which nullified Odoh’s appointment.
NPO had earlier, this week, reported the sacking of Odoh by the Presidency in a statement issued by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
However, Odoh refuted the President’s directive which he labelled as illegal.
He held that there is no official statement from the school management or legal document to back up the President’s directive.
In reaction, the school management issued the memorandum confirming its stand with the President’s directive.
The management also affirmed the nullification of Rosemary Nwokike’s appointment as the institution’s Registrar.
In her stead, Victor Modebelu was reinstated the Acting Registrar as approved by the Education Minister.
“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 His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor ofNnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with immediate effect.
“This decision follows the nullification of the appointment of Prof. Bemard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, which was deemed illegally executed by the now dissolved 10th Governing Council of the University.
“The reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu is outlined in the Federal Ministry of Education correspondence, Ref: FME/HE/CU/82•rr/308, dated 20th November 2024 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, mni.
“Prof. Ikechebelu has been directed to assume full administrative responsibilities for the University, with any matters requiring the approval of the Governing Council to be referred to the Honourable Minister of Education until the reconstitution of a new Council by Mr. President.
“In the same vein, the Honourable Minister Of Education has also approved the reinstatement of Mr. Victor Ikechukwu Modebelu as the Acting Registrar of the University, following the nullification of the appointment of Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as the substantive Registrar.
“Her appointment, like that of the Vice-Chancellor by the dissolved 10th Governing Council, was deemed illegal.
“The University community is hereby enjoined to offer its full support and cooperation to the reinstated Acting Vice-Chancellor and Acting Registrar as they steer the institution toward fulfilling its academic and administrative mandate.”the memorandum read.
Recall that Odoh had, on Thursday, protested his removal which he alleged was politically motivated and driven by ethnic bigotry from some top officials of the institution.