Victor Ezeja
Chairman of Grand Towers Limited, Nze Chidi Duru, has called on the Nigerian government to ensure that only individuals with unquestionable character are appointed as members of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Akwa, also known as UNIZIK.
Nze Duru stated this while reacting to the announcement of the dissolution of the governing council of UNIZIK and the removal of the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Dr Benard Odoh.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, took the action following the crisis that erupted in the university community recently after the governing council led by Amb Greg Mbadiwe announced the appointment of Odoh as the seventh substantive VC of the institution.
Various stakeholders including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the council of failing to follow due process in the VC appointment and called for his removal.
The Federation Ministry of Education in a statement signed by Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on Wednesday said the decision to dissolve the UNIZIK Governing Council and sack the VC was due to grave violation of the laws governing the university and disregard for the ministry’s lawful directives.
The ministry said it was found that the chairman of the governing council “unilaterally appointed a Vice-chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position,” leading to a breakdown of law and order and causing tension within the university community.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Bello, who described the governing council’s decision as “illegal” stressed that urgent measures needed to be taken to avert further destabilisation of the university.
READ ALSO: UNIZIK Crisis: Court Restrains VC From Taking Any Action Against ASUU Members
The ministry disclosed that in line with the University’s founding laws, an acting VC will be appointed and a new Governing Council constituted soon to ensure proper governance within the university system and adherence to the law.
Nze Duru, a notable lawyer and former House of Representatives member, stressed the need for the federal government to appoint people who have reliable character as members of the governing council to ensure that the institution’s revered global academic status is maintained.
“With the dissolution by the Federal Government of the governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, I call on the Federal Government to ensure that the next council should be reserved for individuals of unimpeachable character and distinction, thereby maintaining the university’s esteemed global academic status,” the seasoned entrepreneur stated on Wednesday.
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.
