Power Shift at UNIZIK! FG Confirms Arinze-Umobi as Acting Vice Chancellor Amid Academic Reforms

The Federal Ministry of Education has confirmed Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, commended the selection process, noting it followed due process as stipulated in Section 5(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003. The process involved her nomination by the university’s Senate and subsequent ratification by the Governing Council.

The confirmation was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Boriowo Folasade.

Professor Arinze-Umobi will serve in an acting capacity for a period not exceeding six months, or until a substantive Vice-Chancellor is appointed.

“In her role as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Arinze-Umobi is tasked with managing the university’s day-to-day affairs, coordinating academic and administrative functions, and ensuring smooth institutional operations,” the statement read.

The Ministry emphasized that her appointment aligns with Section 5(14) of the Act and reflects strict adherence to statutory procedures. It also expressed confidence in her capacity to provide stable, purposeful leadership during this transition.

The statement reaffirmed Minister Alausa’s commitment to promoting transparency, upholding university autonomy, and ensuring leadership appointments in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions are merit-based.