UNIZIK leadership crisis: Ikechebelu accepts defeat, returns to DVC

Chinedum Treasure

Embattled Acting VC Professor Joseph Ikechebelu has returned to his former office as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.

Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Special Duties and Public Relations, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu made the disclosure at a press conference on Monday.

Ikechebelu appointed on acting capacity barely two months ago had been on the saddle untill last Saturday when the Amb Greg Mbadiwe led council sacked him and installed Prof Carol Umobi as the Acting Vice Chancellor.

However, University management, in a statement by its Registrar, Samuel Ufoh, said there was no decision taken during the alleged failed council meeting and nobody has been appointed apart from Ikechebelu.

According to Ufoh, the management said the status quo ante remains as the council meeting ended inconclusively.

But speaking to reporters on Monday, Ojukwu said the University’s Governing Council has appointed Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi as the new Acting Vice Chancellor, while the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) will be filled soon.

The latest development followed leadership struggle last weekend that led the Governing Council directing Ikechebelu to hand over to Umobi or face disciplinary actions.

Normalcy appeared to have been restored in the university with a stabilized leadership with Ikechebelu’s acceptance to return to his former position.

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