- As FG removes Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences, Benue
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has rejected a recent letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, claiming the dissolution of its Governing Council and the removal of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernard Odoh.
The letter, signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, cited alleged breaches of university regulations and disregard for directives as reasons for the decision.
The Ministry said that the Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, leading to tension and a breakdown of order within the institution.
However, a detailed response issued on November 20, 2024, Charles Otu, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the embattled Vice-Chancellor, described the Ministry’s actions as a “mischievous” attempt to destabilize the university.
The statement questioned the Ministry’s authority to dissolve the Governing Council and remove the Vice-Chancellor, citing provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, LFN 2004, which reserves such powers for the President as the Visitor to the university.
UNIZIK argued that the Ministry’s actions bypassed the proper channels, as the Governing Council members and the Vice-Chancellor had not been formally questioned or notified.
The university maintained that the appointment of Professor Odoh followed due process and had been widely accepted by stakeholders.
UNIZIK emphasised that the matter is sub judice, rendering the Ministry’s actions premature and inappropriate.
Contrary to the Ministry’s claims of a “breakdown of law and order,” the university stated that its campuses remain calm and that Professor Odoh has been effectively discharging his duties without rancour.
The statement questioned the authenticity of the letter, noting that it was signed by a Public Relations Director rather than the Permanent Secretary or Minister of Education.
It further criticized the absence of formal communication with the Governing Council’s chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
The university urged the public and its community to remain calm, insisting that the courts should determine the legality of the actions taken by the Ministry.
“Let peace continue to reign supreme in our revered citadel of learning,” the statement concluded.
The university reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and called for an expedited resolution of the matter through judicial processes.
Also, the Federal Government has announced the sack of Mr Ohieku Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State,
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, by Folashade Boriowo the Director of Press in the ministry.
Alausa said that the sack of Salami was due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures’’
The minister said the decision followed a series of unprofessional actions by Salami, “including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor, without following the prescribed procedures.”
According to the minister, despite intervention by the education ministry and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Salami refused to comply.
The minister said, instead of complying with the request, Salami resorted to “abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the Permanent Secretary.
“Such conduct undermines the ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.
The minister directed the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the university.
“This is to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process and accountability,’’ he said.
The Conclave/NAN
