In a significant move, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, citing violations of university laws and disregard for lawful directives. This decision also includes the removal of the institution’s newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bernard Odoh.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, by Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education. The ministry emphasized that the dissolution followed serious breaches committed by the Governing Council, which had led to administrative turmoil within the university.
The controversy surrounding the dissolution began when the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) raised concerns over the due process followed in the appointment of Dr. Odoh. ASUU accused the university’s Governing Council of failing to adhere to the necessary legal and procedural guidelines during the appointment. In response, ASUU demanded that the Federal Ministry of Education take swift action, calling for the dissolution of the Council due to its involvement in acts of illegality.
“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 statement read. It went on to detail that the Chairman of the Governing Council had unilaterally appointed a Vice-Chancellor who failed to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position, further contributing to tension within the university community.
The Ministry’s statement also highlighted that these actions had created a breakdown in law and order at the university, leading to discord and instability within the institution. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister of Education, underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that the illegal decisions made by the Governing Council could destabilize the university further. “Urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” Alausa stated.
In light of these developments, the Minister announced that an Acting Vice-Chancellor would be appointed in accordance with the university’s founding act. Additionally, a new Governing Council would be constituted as soon as possible to ensure that proper governance is restored at the university and adherence to the law is maintained moving forward.
The dissolution of the Governing Council and the removal of Dr. Bernard Odoh have generated significant attention and debate. The decision has raised questions about the internal governance of Nigerian universities and the role of the Federal Ministry of Education in overseeing compliance with academic and administrative standards.
