Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education has reappointed Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The reappointment was announced in a letter dated Wednesday by Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the ministry’s permanent secretary.
The decision nullifies the controversial appointment of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the university’s seventh substantive vice-chancellor, a move deemed illegal by the federal government.
“Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh… 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,” Sani-Gwarzo wrote in the letter.
Ikechebelu, who was first appointed acting vice-chancellor in June, was removed in July by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council of the university. The council’s actions were reversed by Tinubu’s administration as part of broader reforms targeting irregular appointments in public institutions.
Sani-Gwarzo directed Ikechebelu to oversee the university’s administration and forward critical matters requiring council approval to the minister until a new governing council is constituted.
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The federal government also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the acting registrar of the university, replacing Rosemary Nwokike, who was removed by the president. Modebelu had previously served in the role before Nwokike’s appointment.
The leadership changes aim to restore order and compliance with due process at UNIZIK, a key federal university in southeastern Nigeria.
