The Federal Government has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as the new acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK).

In a letter dated November 18, 2024, President Tinubu nullified the controversial appointment of Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Odoh’s appointment was deemed illegal as it was carried out by the now-dissolved 10th Governing Council of the university.

The letter instructed Ikechebelu to immediately resume his duties as the acting Vice-Chancellor, effectively restoring him to the position he briefly held earlier this year.

Sani-Gwarzo, in his correspondence, directed Ikechebelu to oversee the administration of the university while forwarding matters requiring council approval to the Minister of Education until a new council is constituted by the President.

This move aims to restore stability to the institution, which has faced governance challenges in recent months.

Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, a renowned scholar and experienced administrator, had initially been appointed as acting Vice-Chancellor in June 2024 but was removed in July by the former Governing Council.

His reinstatement is seen as a step toward addressing leadership disputes and ensuring smooth operations within the university.

In a related development, the Federal Government has also reinstated Victor Modebelu as the Acting Registrar of UNIZIK.

Modebelu previously held this position but was replaced by Rosemary Nwokike, whose appointment as substantive registrar was recently terminated by President Tinubu.