The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has appointed Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi as acting vice-chancellor with effect from Monday, 19 May 2025.
The appointment was confirmed in a 16 May letter signed by Barr Olugbenga Kukoyi, the university’s pro-chancellor and council chair.
The council acted on a nomination forwarded by the University Senate and ratified “in line with Section 5(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions, Amendment) Act 2003,” Kukoyi wrote.
He added that, under Section 5(14) of the same Act, Prof Arinze-Umobi’s tenure “shall not exceed six months or shall lapse once a substantive vice-chancellor is appointed, whichever occurs first.”
“Kukoyi congratulated her and expressed “confidence in your ability to lead the university with distinction during this period.”
The Federal Ministry of Education, meanwhile, confirmed that it had been formally notified of the decision and had verified that due process was followed.
In a statement, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the ministry was “satisfied that the process complied with Section 5(13) of the Act through Senate nomination and Council approval.”
Folasade explained that Prof Arinze-Umobi will “oversee daily administration, coordinate academic and administrative activities, and ensure the university’s effective functioning.”
The statement continued “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 ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency, university autonomy, and merit-based leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
