Governor Francis Nwifuru has appointed Prof. Michael Ugota Awoke as the new Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), succeeding Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, whose tenure has ended.
Additionally, the governor has reinstated four commissioners and the Executive Secretary of the State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, who were suspended in November 2024.
Those reinstated include:
- Francis Ori (Housing)
- Chief Uchenna Igwe (Local Government)
- Dr. Moses Ekuma (Health and Water Resources)
- Hon. Chinedum Nkah
The governor made these announcements shortly after a church service at the Government House Chapel, stating that the newly appointed officials would be sworn in on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Prof. Michael Ugota Awoke is a Professor of Agricultural Economics and was previously the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at EBSU. He has also served as a Federal Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, Ebonyi State, and was the Director of the Work and Study Programme (WASP) at Ebonyi State University.
Governor Nwifuru also appointed Prof. Ike Elechi Ogba as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) and Prof. Michael Ajanwachukwu as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration).
Addressing the recent killings in Amegu Nkalaha Community, the governor stated that investigations show the attack was carried out by criminals from the community, not herdsmen as previously alleged. He described the incident as tragic and unfortunate.
He also warned contractors handling government projects to complete their work on time or risk facing government action.
