The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), has announced the appointment of Prof Carol Chinyelugo Arinze-Umobi as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution. A distinguished Professor of Human Rights and Family Law at the university’s Faculty of Law, her appointment becomes effective from Monday, May 19, 2025.
The appointment, as conveyed in a letter dated May 16, 2025, was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi. According to the letter, Professor Arinze-Umobi’s emergence followed her nomination by the University Senate and subsequent approval by the Governing Council, in accordance with Section 5(13) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003.
The appointment is for a maximum of six months or until a substantive Vice-Chancellor is appointed, as stipulated under Section 5(14) of the same Act.
Professor Arinze-Umobi began her academic career at UNIZIK in 1997 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose to the rank of Professor in 2014. Over the years, she has held several key academic and administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Public and Private Law, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), and briefly served as Acting Vice-Chancellor in 2024.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed satisfaction with the selection process. The Ministry, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, commended the university for adhering strictly to due process and statutory requirements.
“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,” the statement noted.
As Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Arinze-Umobi is expected to oversee the university’s daily administration, coordinate academic and non-academic functions, and maintain institutional stability during this transitional period.
The Ministry lauded the appointment as a demonstration of commitment to university autonomy, transparency, and merit-based leadership and expressed confidence in her capacity to deliver effective and results-driven leadership.