Briefing journalist after the handover, Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Media, Dr. Emma Ojukwu stated that Prof. Ikechebelu has reverted to his former position as DVC Administration. Dr Ojukwu also said that Prof. Arinze-Umobi will not be part of the contest for VC. 

Dr Ojukwu said: "Prof. Ikechebelu who was removed last Saturday was only directed to assume on temporary capacity, pending when the council would appoint an acting VC and the Council has done so.

"I must say that someone who is directed to oversee the University does not equate with Acting Vice-Chancellor. "

History of Acting

Professor Ikechebelu was the only Deputy Vice-Chancellor in the institution, when former VC, Prof. Esimone concluded his tenure. 

As of the time former VC Esimone tenure was over, there was no governing council. Consequently,  the NUC in a  circular to Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities dated May 28, 2024, entitled “RE: END OF TENURE OF SOME VICE-CHANCELLORS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES,” directed outgoing Vice-Chancellors to nominate a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, as recommended by their Senate, to temporarily oversee the office of the Vice-Chancellor pending the inauguration of a Governing Council.

Professor Ikechebelu fit into this provision and assumed duty. Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu is a Professor  in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Faculty of Medicine in Nnamdi Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He rose through the ranks to become a professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the University in 2008.

However, the newly inaugurated governing council in exercising her powers and in fulfillment of her statutory roles, approved the appointment of an accomplished lawyer, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi as new Acting Vice-Chancellor who has assumed duty.