UNIZIK reinstates Ikechebelu as acting VC

The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have reinstated Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution with immediate effect.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations/Protocol Officer of the university, Njelita Louis, on Thursday.

Louis explained that the decision followed the nullification of Prof. Bernard Odoh’s appointment as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor, which was deemed illegal.

He added that Prof. Ikechebelu has been directed to assume full administrative responsibilities for the university immediately.

Additionally, Mr. Victor Modebelu has been appointed Acting Registrar, following the nullification of Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike’s appointment as the substantive Registrar.

The statement read: “This is to inform the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community and the general public that, in accordance with the directives of the Honourable Minister of Education and the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with immediate effect.

“This decision follows the nullification of the appointment of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor, which was deemed illegally executed by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council of the university.

“The reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu is outlined in the Federal Ministry of Education correspondence, Ref: FME/HE/CU/82°/1/308, dated 20th November 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo.”

The statement further noted that Ikechebelu has been instructed to assume full administrative duties, with any matters requiring the approval of the governing council to be referred to the Minister of Education until a new council is reconstituted by President Tinubu.

In a similar vein, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the reinstatement of Mr. Victor Ikechukwu Modebelu as Acting Registrar, following the nullification of Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike’s appointment as substantive registrar. Like the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment, Nwokike’s appointment was deemed illegal by the dissolved 10th Governing Council.

The university community has been urged to offer full support and cooperation to the reinstated Acting Vice-Chancellor and Acting Registrar as they lead the institution in fulfilling its academic and administrative mandate.