The administration of Bola Tinubu has voided the appointment of Prof Bernard Odoh as the vice chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Odoh, a former governorship candidate in Ebonyi State during the 2023 general elections, emerged the seventh substantive VC of UNIZIK on Tuesday following his announcement by the Governing Council of the university.
The ministry of education on Friday written the chairman of the governing council of the university, Amb Greg Mbadiwe, cancelling the council’s recent appointments, insisting they did not follow existing guidelines.
The letter which was signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs R. Ilyasu had urged the council to shelve all appointments until the new Minister of Education assumes office.
But the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has now rejected the annulment of the appointments
This was contained in a statement by the Registrar of the Institution and Secretary of the Governing Council, Nwokike.
She said: “Contrary to any assumption of a formal engagement, the Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education.
Instead, informal discussions took place between the outgoing Minister of State and the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“In response to concerns regarding the absence of the Ministry’s representative, certain internal council members, and other stakeholders at the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on Tuesday, 29th October 2024, we wish to clarify that all necessary protocols were observed. Invitations were duly issued to all relevant parties, ensuring that everyone was informed and given the opportunity to attend.
“The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Federal Character Commission, external and internal Council members, and various other stakeholders, demonstrating a broad representation of interests. For further verification, attached are the attendance register, photographs documenting the proceedings, and copies of the official meeting notice sent to stakeholders.
“Additionally, we confirm that the quorum was duly constituted in compliance with the statutory requirements outlined in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.
“Due process was meticulously observed throughout the selection and appointment processes for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar. The suggestion of “reconciling with aggrieved persons” is not relevant to this procedural integrity.
“Of the 18 applicants for the position, 15 attended the interview, and score sheets were duly documented. The Council, within the scope of its lawful authority, has fulfilled its mandate with transparency and adherence to the University’s regulations.
“We appreciate your attention to these clarifications and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of due process and legal compliance.”
Since Tuesday last week when the governing council appointed Odoh, there have been mixed reactions of jubilation and protest among members of the university community.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had also protested the credentials of the new Vice Chancellor, contending that he was not qualified, disputing the claims that he had ascended to the position of a professor.
