Victor Ezeja
Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has sacked the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, and replaced him with Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi.
Professor Ikechebelu was reportedly removed from office during a meeting of the University Governing Council on Saturday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa had reported that there were plans to remove Ikechebelu from office, which created tension within the university campus.
READ ALSO: Tension In UNIZIK Over Plot To Remove VC
It was gathered that the exercise was carried out under heavy presence of security personnel in the institution on Saturday.
Ikechebelu spent only two months in office. He took over from Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, whose tenure expired early June.
Professor Arinze-Umobi’s appointment was confirmed in a letter signed by pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Ambassador Gregory Mbadiwe and made available to newsmen on Saturday.
According to the letter, Arinze-Umobi’s appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor will be for six months and takes effect from Monday, 22nd July 2024.
Mbadiwe, who congratulated Arinze-Umobi on the appointment, said it was done in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007.
The letter titled, “APPOINTMENT AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY,” reads: “I am pleased to inform you that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007, the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on recommendation of the University Senate.
“Your appointment is for a period not later than six (6) months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.
“On behalf of the Governing Council, I extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment. We have full confidence in your ability to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success in this rule.
“Please note that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitors to the University. Once again, congratulations on your appointment.”
Professor Arinze-Umeobi had served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University from 2016 to 2020.
She was first appointed DVC in 2016 and re-appointed in June 2018 for another term of two years.
Prior to her appointment as DVC, Arinze-Umobi was the Director of Confucius Institute in the University.
She is a Professor in Human Rights Law Department, Faculty of Law, UNIZIK
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
