The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has reinstated Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu as the acting vice chancellor of the institution with immediate effect.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations/Protocol Officer of the institution, Njelita Louis, on Thursday.

Louis said the decision follows the nullification of the appointment of Prof. Bernard Odoh as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, which was deemed illegal.

He said Prof. Ikechebelu has been directed to assume full administrative responsibilities for the university, with immediate effect.

He added that Mr Victor Modebelu has been appointed as the acting registrar of the university, following the nullification of the appointment of Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as the substantive registrar.

The statement read In part, “This is to inform the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community and the general public that, in accordance with the directives of the Honourable Minister of Education and the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with immediate effect.

“This decision follows the nullification of the appointment of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7thsubstantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, which was deemed illegally executed by the now-dissolved 10thGoverning Council of the University.

“The reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu is outlined in the Federal Ministry of Education correspondence, Ref: FME/HE/CU/82°/1/308, dated 20thNovember 2024 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Nasir SaniGwarzo, muni.

“Prof. Ikechebelu has been directed to assume full administrative responsibilities for the university, with any matters requiring the approval of the governing council to be referred to the Honourable Minister of Education until the reconstitution of a new council by Mr. President.

“In the same vein, the Honourable Minister of Education has also approved the reinstatement of Mr. Victor Ikechukwu Modebelu as the Acting Registrar of the University, following the nullification of the appointment of Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as the substantive Registrar. Her appointment, like that of the Vice-Chancellor by the dissolved 10thGoverning Council, was deemed illegal.

“The university community is hereby enjoined to offer its full support and cooperation to the reinstated acting vice chancellor and acting registrar as they steer the institution toward fulfilling its academic and administrative mandate.” (Nigerian Tribune)