Crisis rocks Nnamdi Azikiwe university as 2 professors emerge VC

Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, is engulfed in a leadership crisis as two individuals now claim the position of Vice Chancellor.

The upheaval began when Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, who had been serving as acting VC, was dismissed by the university’s governing council led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.

The council appointed Prof. Carol Umobi as the new Acting Vice Chancellor.

However, the university’s management did not accept this change.

In a statement issued by Registrar Samuel N. Ujoh, the administration declared that no official decision had been made during what they termed a “failed council meeting,” asserting that the status quo remains with Ikechebelu as acting VC.

Despite this, the governing council maintained that Prof. Umobi was the new Acting Vice Chancellor, insisting that Ikechebelu had been replaced. The council meeting, held under tight security at the university’s administrative block, was marked by tension as security operatives accompanied the Pro-Chancellor and council members, who were resisted when attempting to enter the Senate chamber.

Prof. Ikechebelu had assumed the role of acting VC two months prior, succeeding Prof. Charles Esimone.

In the midst of the dispute, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe issued a letter congratulating Prof. Umobi on her appointment. He stated that her six-month tenure was in line with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act and amendments by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 2007. Mbadiwe noted that her appointment would be effective from Monday, July 22, 2024, and confirmed that the terms were approved by the Federal Government for all federal universities. A copy of the appointment letter was also sent to the Minister of Education for further action.

During the recent inauguration of governing councils for tertiary institutions in Abuja, Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman cautioned council members against interfering in the management of the institutions. He emphasized the clear distinction between the roles of management and governing councils, advising councils to avoid meddling in daily administrative, financial, and material resource matters.