The Federal Government has ordered the removal of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra state.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa gave the order in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, by Mrs Folashade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry.
Alausa also announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of the university over “grave breaches of the laws governing the university’’.
Alausa said the dissolution was sequel to the Council’s 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.
“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 destabilising the institution,’’ Alausa said.
“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.
“All these changes are with immediate effect. The step aligns with the federal government’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the nation’s educational institutions,” he said.
