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CONFUSION AS GOVERNING COUNCIL REMOVES NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY VC, MANAGEMENT DISMISSES SACK
Crisis is currently plaguing Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), popularly known as UNIZIK Awka, Anambra state capital, after the school’s governing council appointed a new acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Carol Umobi.
A letter by the school’s governing council, made public on Saturday revealed that Umobi has been appointed to replace the former acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, who was relieved of his duty by the same council within two months of taken over from the immediate past substantive Chancellor, Professor Charles Esimone.
The council at end of meeting held at the University chamber handed a letter signed by the chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, congratulating Umobi on the appointment.
Part of the letter reads, “1 am pleased to inform you that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007, the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor on recommendation of the University Senate.
“Your appointment is for a period not later than six (6) months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities. On behalf of the Governing Council, I extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment.
“We have full confidence in your ability to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success in this rule. Please note that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitors to the University. Once again, congratulations on your appointment,” the letter said.
Hours later, the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State dismissed the removal of Professor Ikechebelu as acting Vice Chancellor of the institution by the governing council.
A statement released and signed by the acting Registrar of the institution, Samuel N. Ujoh, insisted that Ikechebelu remains the acting Vice Chancellor, adding that the said council meeting ended without decision or resolution.
According to Ujoh, the internal, external members and pro- Chancellor/ chairman of the council, Amb. Mbadiwe walked out when a strenuous document purported to be decision of the Senate was read.
“The 9th emergency meeting of the governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe university ends inconclusive.
“At the 9th emergency meeting of of the 10th governing council held on 20th July 2024,the Pro – Chancellor/ chairman of the council Amb Greg Mbadiwe, read out a letter purported to have emanated from the University Senate and claimed to be signed by 24 members of the Senate in attendance.
“The purported letter was signed by Prof Stan Udedi as the chairman and Prof Eric Ofoedu as the Secretary. During the meeting, the internal members of the council objected to the letter as emanating from the Senate,since the Senate will hold on 24th July 2024, according to the advertised Senate meeting.“The controversy that emanated from the purported letter resulted in Pro- Chancellor/chairman of of the council and external members of the council walking out of the meeting. The meeting,thus ended without a decision and status quo ante remained,” the letter read.
