The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has appointed Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, with effect from Monday, May 19, 2025.
Professor Arinze-Umobi, a Professor of Human Rights and Family Law at the university’s Faculty of Law, was nominated by the Senate and subsequently approved by the Council in line with Section 5(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.
Her appointment was confirmed in a letter dated May 16, 2025, signed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi.
The letter noted that her tenure, as stipulated under Section 5(14) of the Act, would not exceed six months or will end upon the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
A seasoned academic, Arinze-Umobi joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer in 1997 and rose through the ranks to become a professor in 2014.
She has held several leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Public and Private Law, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), and briefly served as Acting Vice-Chancellor in 2024.
Reacting to the development, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed satisfaction with the selection process.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the procedure adhered strictly to statutory requirements and reflected university autonomy.
“The Ministry expresses its satisfaction that the selection process was conducted in line with due process… through nomination by the University Senate and subsequent approval by the Governing Council,” the statement read.
It added that the Ministry was confident in Professor Arinze-Umobi’s ability to provide “stable and result-oriented leadership” during the transitional period.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, merit, and respect for university governance structures in managing Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
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