UNIZIK Appoints New Acting Vice Chancellor as Ministry Acknowledges Transition

As the tenure of the current Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, ends on Monday, May 19, 2025, the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK) has appointed Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, B.A (Hons), PGDE, LL.B (Hons), BL, LLM, PhD (Law), as the new Acting Vice Chancellor of the university.

The letter of appointment was officially presented by the Pro-Chancellor, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, on behalf of the Governing Council, following her nomination by the University Senate in line with the statutory procedures.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION — PRESS RELEASE

MINISTRY ACKNOWLEDGES SELECTION OF PROFESSOR ARINZE-UMOBI AS ACTING VICE-CHANCELLOR, NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY

The Federal Ministry of Education has acknowledged the selection of Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, effective May 19, 2025.

The Ministry expresses satisfaction that the process followed due protocol as provided under Section 5(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003, involving nomination by the University Senate and subsequent approval by the Governing Council.

As Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Arinze-Umobi is expected to:

Oversee the day-to-day administration of the university

Coordinate academic and administrative activities

Ensure the smooth functioning of the institution

Her tenure, as stipulated in Section 5(14) of the Act, shall not exceed six months or continue until the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, whichever comes first.

The Ministry commended UNIZIK for adhering to statutory governance protocols and expressed confidence in Professor Arinze-Umobi’s ability to provide stable, transparent, and result-driven leadership during this transitional period.

“The Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to upholding transparency, university autonomy, and merit-based leadership across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.”
– Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press & Public Relations
May 17, 2025

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