Umobi Assumes Role as Unizik Acting VC

Prof. Carol Umobi has officially taken office as the new Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The transition was smooth, with the former Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joe Ikechebelu, handing over the position after being removed by the university’s Council, led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, last weekend.

Dr. Emma Ojukwu, Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media, briefed journalists after the handover. She announced that Umobi will serve a non-renewable term of six months and will not participate in the selection process for the permanent vice chancellor.

Ojukwu stated, “The Acting VC has officially taken office this morning and is currently meeting with students. Prof. Joe Ikechebelu, who was removed last Saturday, was only in a temporary role until the Council appointed a new Acting VC. The Council has now fulfilled this task.”

She clarified that Ikechebelu, previously Deputy VC Admin, was overseeing the university until the new appointment and emphasized that this oversight did not equate to holding the Acting Vice Chancellor position.

“There have been misconceptions about having two Acting Vice Chancellors, but no official appointment was made until now. The newly constituted Council has just completed its first task by appointing an Acting Vice Chancellor. The Council decided that those interested in the permanent position should not serve as Acting VC to ensure a fair selection process,” Ojukwu added.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suggested it would be inappropriate for Ikechebelu to act as VC if he intended to run for the permanent role. Ikechebelu has since resumed his previous role as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration.