FG reinstates Ikechebelu and Modebelu as UNIZIK Acting VC and Registrar

The Federal Ministry of Education has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the acting vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK). The announcement, contained in a letter signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to nullify the appointment of Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the university’s seventh substantive vice-chancellor. Odoh’s appointment was declared illegal by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council of the institution.

The letter from Sani-Gwarzo stated: “Following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, via letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November 2024, nullifying the appointment of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive vice-chancellor of the university—an appointment made illegally by the dissolved 10th Council—I am pleased to convey the Honourable Minister’s approval to reinstate you as the acting vice-chancellor of the university with immediate effect. You are therefore directed to oversee the administration of the university.”

The Permanent Secretary also instructed Ikechebelu to forward matters requiring council approval to the Ministry of Education until a new governing council is constituted by President Tinubu. This development follows the President’s directive on November 20 to dissolve the UNIZIK Governing Council, effectively ending Bernard Odoh’s controversial tenure as vice-chancellor.

Ikechebelu, originally appointed as acting vice-chancellor in June 2024, was removed by the dissolved council in late July. His reinstatement marks a return to leadership amidst significant administrative reforms at the university. Additionally, the Federal Government reinstated Victor Modebelu as Acting Registrar of UNIZIK. Modebelu, who previously held the position, replaces Rosemary Nwokike, whose tenure as substantive registrar was also terminated by the President.