Soldiers Storm Campus As Nigerian University Sacks Vice-Chancellor

The Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has sacked the institution’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Joseph Ikechebelu.

Dtruth Insights reports that Ikechebelu, a professor and a former deputy vice-chancellor (administration) of the institution, was appointed acting vice-chancellor in early June to replace Charles Esimone, a professor whose tenure expired on 3 June.

The university’s Governing Council announced the sack of the acting vice-chancellor in a letter made available to Premium Times on Saturday.

No reason has been given for the sack of the former acting vice-chancellor.

The letter, was signed by the pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the council, Gregory Mbadiwe.

Mr Mbadiwe, in the letter, also announced the appointment of Carol Arinze-Umobi, a female professor, as a new acting vice-chancellor of the institution.

Mrs Arinze-Umobi’s appointment will take effect from Monday, 22 July 2024, the letter said.

The council chairperson said the appointment, which is for six months, is in accordance with the provisions of Section four of the First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007.

“The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the federal government for all federal universities,” part of the letter, addressed to Mrs Arinze-Umobi, reads.

“We have full confidence in your ability to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success,” the letter added.

Mr Mbadiwe noted that a copy of the appointment letter has been forwarded to the country’s Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, who will then inform President Bola Tinubu.

Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that some soldiers stormed the university premises before the council’s meeting earlier on Saturday.

Some university students were said to have been apprehensive over the presence of the soldiers.