FG Reappoints Ikechebelu, Modebelu As UNIZIK Acting VC, Registrar

The Federal Ministry of Education has disclosed the reappointment of Professor Joseph Ikechebelu to serve as the new acting vice-chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU).

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, announced his reappointment as the new vice-chancellor of the university in a letter on Wednesday.

“Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR vide letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November 2024 nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive vice chancellor of the university who was illegally appointed by the dissolved 10th Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the acting vice chancellor of the university with immediate effect,” Sani-Gwarzo said in the letter.

“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the university’s administration.”

The permanent secretary directed the new acting vice-chancellor to forward any matter that requires the approval of the now-dissolved council to the minister for his consideration and approval until President Bola Tinubu reconstitutes a new committee.

This followed the sack of the controversial seventh substantive vice-chancellor of the university, Bernard Odoh, by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Ikechebelu was initially appointed to the position in early June but was sacked in late July by the university’s Governing Council.

The government also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the Acting Registrar of the university, popularly known as UNIZIK.