The leadership crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka appears to be settling as embattled Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu , has agreed to return to his former role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
This development was disclosed by Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Special Duties and Public Relations, during a press conference on Monday.
Professor Ikechebelu, who had been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor just two months ago, was removed from his position last Saturday by the university’s Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe. The council then appointed Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor.
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However, this decision was initially met with resistance from the university management. In a statement released by the university’s Registrar, Samuel Ufoh, it was asserted that no conclusive decision had been reached during the council meeting and that Professor Ikechebelu remained in his position.
Ufoh’s statement indicated that the council meeting had ended without a definitive resolution, maintaining that the status quo should remain unchanged.
In contrast, speaking to reporters on Monday, Dr. Ojukwu confirmed that the Governing Council had indeed appointed Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor. He also mentioned that the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) would be filled soon.
The resolution follows a weekend of intense leadership struggles, during which the Governing Council directed Professor Ikechebelu to hand over to Professor Arinze-Umobi or face disciplinary actions.
With Professor Ikechebelu’s acceptance to return to his previous role, normalcy appears to be returning to the university, ensuring a more stable leadership structure.