Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has dissolved the Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, replacing the team he appointed in June 2024 with a newly constituted council.
Newsonspot reports that among those removed is Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, who served as Pro-Chancellor of the university. Also affected is Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and widow of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who was a member of the council.
Other council members relieved of their duties include Ifeoma Ekwueme, Christopher Ndubuisi, and Igwe Oranu Chidume. However, Igwe Chidume was retained in the new structure.
In the reconstituted council, Governor Soludo appointed Peter Azikiwe Onwualu as the new Chairman and Pro-Chancellor. Onwualu, an accomplished agricultural engineering expert, currently serves as Vice-Chancellor of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, and previously led the Raw Materials Research and Development Council as Director-General.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the new chairman brings extensive experience in academic leadership, engineering development, and international research collaborations, including programmes supported by the World Bank. He is also credited with numerous academic publications, patents, and professional recognitions.
Other newly appointed council members include Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, HRH Igwe Chidiume Oranu, Prof. Josephat O. Ogbuagu, and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Sir Chris Ezike.
The newly inaugurated council is expected to provide strategic direction for the university and strengthen its academic and administrative development.
