Professor Joseph Ikechebelu has been reinstated as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, following the dismissal of Professor Bernard Odoh as the university’s Vice Chancellor. Ikechebelu’s return comes after a period of uncertainty following Odoh’s election as VC and the ongoing crisis at the institution. The dismissal of Odoh by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday led to Ikechebelu’s appointment.

In response to his removal, Professor Odoh expressed strong disapproval, urging the federal government to refrain from exacerbating tensions at the university. He warned the Ministry of Education against undermining the judiciary, as several lawsuits related to his appointment are still being heard in court. Odoh, through his media assistant Charles Otu, described the letter notifying his dismissal and the dissolution of the university’s governing council as “mischievous” and “strange.” He argued that the proper procedures had been followed in his appointment and that the letter was issued in contempt of ongoing legal proceedings.

Odoh emphasized that the Ministry of Education, which is a defendant in two lawsuits at the National Industrial Court, had not filed a counterclaim against the legality of his appointment. He further stated that since his appointment, there had been no disruptions at the university, with operations remaining peaceful across all campuses. He suggested that the ministry’s actions might be influenced by external parties seeking to create conflict.

He also questioned the legitimacy of his purported removal, noting that the announcement was made by a Public Relations Director rather than by the President or the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Odoh called for the legal process to resolve the matter swiftly and appealed for calm and order within the university community during this time of uncertainty.