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By Madu Obi
THE governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has sacked Professor Joseph Ikechebelu after two months in office. In his place, the Council appointed a law teacher, Prof Carol Umobi as as the Acting Vice Chancellor.
Ikechebelu took over from the former Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, whose tenure ended in May this year.
A letter from the governing council of the university, which was signed by the chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe congratulated Umobi on her appointment.
The appointment letter which was presented to Umobi read: "Dear Professor Umobi,
"APPOINTMENT AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY
1 am pleased to inform you that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007, the Governing Council has approved your appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on recommendation of the University Senate. Your appointment is for a period not later than six (6) months, effective Monday, July 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.
On behalf of the Governing Council, 1 extend our warmest congratulations on your appointment. We have full confidence in your ability to lead our esteemed institution during this period and wish you great success in this rule.
"Please note that a copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for the information of the Visitor to the University."Before the appointment of Umobi, there was tension in the university and a detachment of soldiers and the police positioned themselves in front of the Senate building where the emergency meeting of the governing council took place.
It was gathered that the new chairman of the governing, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe had convened an emergency meeting of the council, primarily for the removal of Ikechebelu as Acting Vice Chancellor.
Earlier, a memo from the university stated that two professors of the university were positioned to replace Ikechebelu. They were Professor Carol Arinze-Umeobi and Professor F. J. C. Odibo.
It was learnt that the Mbadiwe - led council had empowered a few professors in the university to hold the Senate meeting, and had penciled down the two professors, with the aim of removing Ikechebelu.
After their meeting, a memo released therefrom read: “RESOLUTION OF THE EMERGENCY MEETING OF SENATE HELD ON 19™ JULY, 2024 AT THE UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM
"In response to the memo by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, titled “RE: APPOINTMENT OF ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR” dated July 11, 2024, requesting the Secretary to Council to convey to the Senate the directive of the Governing Council to nominate and furnish the Council with the names of two (2) former Deputy Vice-Chancellors who are above 66 years, but below 70 years for consideration for appointment to the position of Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Senate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in the emergency meeting of this day, Friday, July 19, 2024, nominated the following as the only two qualified candidates for Council consideration:
“(1) Professor Carol Arinze-Umeobi. Date of birth: 7″ July, 1957
Retirement Date: 7” July, 2027
“(2) Professor F. J. C. Odibo
Date of birth: 13 April, 1955
Retirement Date 13″ April, 2025,”
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