UNIZIK gets new acting Vice Chancellor

The Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has appointed an Acting Vice-Chancellor for the university.

She is Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi, a professor of Human Rights and Family Laws at the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

The appointment takes effect from Monday, 19^th May, 2025.

Announcing the development in a letter dated 16^th May, 2025, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, said her appointment was sequel to her nomination by the Senate of the University and subsequent appointment by the Governing Council as provided by Section 5 (13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provision, Amendment) Act 2003.

The letter reads further, “By virtue of Section 5 (14) of the Act, your term of appointment shall not exceed a maximum period of six (6) months, or until a substantive Vice-Chancellor is appointed, whichever comes first.”

The new Acting Vice-Chancellor, who began her career in the University as an Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Law in 1997, rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Law in 2014.

She has held several leadership and administrative positions in the school, including Head of the Department of Public and Private Law; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and a brief stint as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University in 2024.

In a statement endorsing the appointment of the new Acting Vice-Chancellor, the Federal Ministry of Education said it has been notified of the selection of Professor Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, effective May 19, 2025.

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The statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Press & Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, reads in part, “The Ministry expresses its satisfaction that the selection process was conducted in line with due process, as provided under Section 5(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003—through nomination by the University Senate and subsequent approval by the Governing Council.

“In her capacity as Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Arinze-Umobi is expected to oversee the day-to-day administration of the university, coordinate academic and administrative activities, and ensure the effective functioning of the institution. Her appointment, in line with Section 5(14) of the Act, shall not exceed six months or until a substantive Vice-Chancellor is appointed, whichever comes first.

“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 Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to upholding transparency, university autonomy, and merit-based leadership across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.”