Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has dismissed recent claims by the Federal Ministry of Education, which suggested that the appointment of Prof. Bernard Odoh as the institution’s new Vice-Chancellor had been annulled.
In a statement released on Monday, the university’s governing council reaffirmed that the appointment was fully in line with legal and institutional procedures, and urged the public to disregard the misinformation circulating in the media.
Prof. Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics, was officially appointed as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK by the university’s Governing Council last Tuesday, following a competitive interview process.
His appointment was widely celebrated within the academic community, but recently, a letter purportedly from the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by Mrs. R.G. Ilyasu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, claimed that the Ministry had declared the appointment “null and void.” The letter further alleged that the appointment process had not followed due procedure.
However, Charles Otu, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to Prof. Odoh, swiftly responded on his behalf, issuing a statement that refuted the Ministry’s claims.
Otu emphasized that the university’s governing council had meticulously adhered to the requirements set forth by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004, and that all due processes were followed during Odoh’s selection.
“Contrary to the claims in the letter circulating in the media, the university’s actions were fully in compliance with statutory guidelines,” Otu stated. “Under Nigerian law, the Ministry of Education oversees general educational standards but does not have the legal authority to control the internal decisions of university councils, including the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.”
Otu further clarified that the university’s governing council, as an autonomous body, is empowered to make decisions in the best interest of the institution.
He referred to the council’s adherence to Section 6(a) of the university’s standing orders, which require specific quorum conditions to be met during decision-making processes.
“The appointment of Prof. Odoh was made in full conformity with these procedures, and the council’s actions have not been legally challenged,” Otu added. “The university’s governing council is an independent body with the right to make autonomous decisions on behalf of the institution.”
The media release also addressed the underlying tensions that appear to have emerged following Odoh’s appointment.
While some of the opposition is believed to stem from internal political dynamics, Otu called for a focus on unity and collaboration within the university community.
“There are rumors and false documents circulating, likely driven by certain interests who may have been disappointed with the outcome of the appointment process,” Otu said. “These attempts to sow discord are unwarranted. We urge everyone to disregard the misinformation and give peace a chance.”
The university also announced that Prof. Odoh’s official resumption of office would be marked by a special Catholic mass on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, followed by the blessing of his office.
The event is expected to be a moment of celebration and reflection for the university community, as well as an opportunity for stakeholders to witness the beginning of a new chapter for UNIZIK.
As the dust settles around the controversy, Prof. Odoh’s leadership is now firmly underway, and the focus will shift to the future direction of Nnamdi Azikiwe University under his stewardship.
The public and academic community alike are keen to see how he will tackle the challenges ahead and bring his vision for the university to life.
