*Changes Governing Councils Of 2 Other Federal Universities
The Federal Government on Wednesday took some far reaching decisions in some Federal universities in the country including the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
It also announced the removal of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Another decision was the reassigning of the Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of the Governing Councils of the Federal Universities of Oye-Ekiti and Lokoja.
These were contained in three separate press statements issued by the Director, Press & Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
Concerning the dissolution of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council, it said that the decision was taken following grave breaches of the laws governing the university and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
It said "The decision comes after 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. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony.
"The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, as the illegal decisions taken by the Governing Council posed a significant risk of further destabilizing the institution.
"As part of the dissolution, the following members of the Governing Council have been removed:
Amb. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe - Pro Chancellor
Hon. Hafiz Oladejo - Council Member
Hon.Augustine Onyedebelu
Engr . Amioleran Osahon
Rtd Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin
"The Honourable Minister of Education has also announced the removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh, the Vice-Chancellor who was illegally appointed by the dissolved Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University."
The statement said that in accordance with the university’s founding act, an Acting Vice-Chancellor will be appointed, and a new Governing Council for the university will be constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law.
"All these changes are with immediate effect. This step aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to good governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the nation's educational institutions." it stated
Announcing the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, another press statement said it was due to actions unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.
It added "The decision follows a series of unprofessional actions by Engr. Salami, including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.
"Despite intervention by the Federal Ministry of Education and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Engr. Salami refused to comply, resorting to abusive and threatening behavior towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary."
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, noted that such conduct undermines the Ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardizes the institution's stability and governance.
"In line with this decision, the Minister has requested the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process, and accountability."
All these changes, the statement said, are with immediate effect.
"This action reflects the Federal Government's resolve to uphold good governance, the rule of law, and due process in the management of the nation’s universities, thereby ensuring their continued growth and development." the second statement concluded.
The third press statement announced that the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed the reassigning of the Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of the Governing Councils of the Federal Universities of Oye-Ekiti and Lokoja to enhance national cohesion and improve the governance of these institutions.
"Following an approval by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the swapping involves Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba being reassigned as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, while Engr. Kayode Ojo will assume the same role at the Federal University, Lokoja.
"This change comes after it was noted that the current Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Engr. Kayode Ojo, is an indigene of Ekiti State.
"As part of the Ministry’s commitment to promoting national integration and ensuring impartial oversight, it is standard practice for Pro-Chancellors to be appointed from outside the state of the university. This ensures unbiased governance and supports the core values of diversity and national unity."
Dr. Alausa emphasized that this reassignment is a step towards strengthening the leadership structure of Nigeria's federal universities, ensuring that they operate under fair and inclusive governance.
"All these changes are with immediate effect. The Honourable Minister assures that these changes will positively impact the effective administration and development of the universities, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian people." the statement said