In a notable administrative shift, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, who briefly served as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has returned to his role as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration). This change comes after the university’s governing council, led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, appointed Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi from the Faculty of Law as the new Acting Vice Chancellor.
Ikechebelu’s tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor lasted only two months. He took over from former Vice Chancellor Professor Charles Esimone, whose term concluded in May under contentious circumstances. Ikechebelu formally handed over to Arinze-Umobi on Monday.
Dr. Emma Ojukwu, Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Special Duties and Public Relations, noted that the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) remains vacant but will be filled soon. Ojukwu also indicated that with Arinze-Umobi’s assumption of office, the process to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor will commence shortly.
“The next meeting of the governing council will consider the process for the appointment of the substantive Vice Chancellor, and following that meeting, interested candidates will start applying,” Ojukwu stated. He explained that a joint Senate/Council selection committee will be responsible for shortlisting and interviewing qualified candidates.
Ojukwu clarified that Ikechebelu was not officially appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor but was instead directed to oversee the university’s affairs until the governing council made a formal appointment. This measure was intended to ensure a fair selection process for the new Vice Chancellor, allowing all potential candidates an equal opportunity to compete for the position.
