From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has appointed Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi as Acting Vice Chancellor, effective Monday, May 19, 2025. Barr. Olugbenga Kukoyi, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, announced the appointment in a letter dated Friday, May 16, 2025.
The decision followed her nomination by the University Senate and approval by the Governing Council, as stipulated in Section 5(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions, Amendment) Act 2003.
The letter clarified that Umobi’s tenure, per Section 5(14) of the Act, will not exceed six months or until a substantive Vice Chancellor is appointed, whichever comes first. Kukoyi congratulated Umobi and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the university with distinction during this period.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education has confirmed it was notified of Umobi’s appointment and verified that it adhered to statutory procedures. In a statement, Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, said the ministry is satisfied that the process complied with Section 5(13) of the Act through Senate nomination and Council approval.
Folasade noted that Prof. Arinze-Umobi will oversee daily administration, coordinate academic and administrative activities, and ensure the university’s effective functioning. “The Ministry acknowledges this appointment as a reflection of adherence to statutory governance procedures and expresses confidence in Professor Arinze-Umobi’s ability to provide stable and result-oriented leadership during this transitional period,” the statement read.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency, university autonomy, and merit-based leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.