The Federal Ministry of Education has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK).
The announcement was made in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo.
The decision follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nullification of the appointment of Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the university’s seventh substantive vice-chancellor. Odoh’s appointment was deemed illegal by the dissolved 10th Governing Council of the university.
The letter from Sani-Gwarzo read:
“Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR vide letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November, 2024 nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive vice chancellor of the university who was illegally appointed by the dissolved 10th Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the acting vice chancellor of the university with immediate effect. Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the university.”
The permanent secretary also instructed Ikechebelu to direct matters requiring council approval to the Ministry of Education until a new governing council is constituted by President Tinubu.
This development comes after President Tinubu’s directive on Wednesday, November 20, to dissolve the UNIZIK Governing Council, leading to the termination of Bernard Odoh’s controversial tenure as vice-chancellor.
Ikechebelu was initially appointed as acting vice-chancellor in June 2024 but was removed by the now-dissolved Governing Council in late July. His reinstatement marks a return to leadership amid ongoing administrative changes at the institution.
In addition to Ikechebelu’s reappointment, the Federal Government reinstated Victor Modebelu as the Acting Registrar of UNIZIK. Modebelu, who had previously served in the role, replaces Rosemary Nwokike, whose tenure as substantive registrar was also terminated by the President.