By Gabriella Ogbu
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, located in Awka, Anambra State, has made a significant leadership change by removing Professor Joseph Ikechebelu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor. Professor Ikechebelu, who had previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), was appointed to the acting role in early June following the end of Professor Charles Esimone’s tenure on June 3.
The decision to remove Professor Ikechebelu was announced in a letter to the media on Saturday, July 20, as reported by Premium Times. The letter, however, did not provide any specific reasons for his dismissal.
In the same communication, the Governing Council, led by Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson Gregory Mbadiwe, introduced Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor. Professor Arinze-Umobi will assume her role starting Monday, July 22, and her appointment is set for a duration of six months.
The appointment of Professor Arinze-Umobi aligns with the provisions of Section 4 of the First Schedule of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004, as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2007, according to The Punch.
Mbadiwe also confirmed that a copy of the appointment letter for Professor Arinze-Umobi has been sent to the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. The Minister will then communicate this development to President Bola Tinubu.
