President Bola Tinubu has announced the removal of Dr. Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State. The decision, which also includes the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council, follows allegations of procedural violations in Odoh’s appointment.
Background of the Controversy
The Federal Ministry of Education made the announcement on November 20, 2024, citing “grave breaches of the laws governing the university” and a disregard for lawful directives from the ministry. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously raised concerns about the appointment process, accusing the Governing Council of failing to adhere to established protocols when appointing Odoh.
According to reports, Dr. Odoh was appointed Vice-Chancellor just two days prior to his removal, following a decision made by the council led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe. However, this appointment was met with backlash from various stakeholders within the university community who claimed that it was conducted without proper consultation or compliance with necessary regulations.
Government’s Justification
In a statement issued by Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, it was highlighted that the council’s unilateral actions had led to a breakdown of order within UNIZIK. The ministry emphasized that urgent measures were required to prevent further destabilization of the institution.
“The Chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed a Vice-Chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position,” Boriowo stated. This disregard for due process not only raised questions about governance at UNIZIK but also sparked protests from faculty and students alike.
Immediate Actions Taken
Following the dissolution of the Governing Council and Odoh’s removal, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that an Acting Vice-Chancellor would be appointed temporarily. He assured that a new Governing Council would be constituted promptly to restore proper governance and adherence to legal frameworks within the university.
The swift actions taken by the federal government reflect a commitment to upholding standards in Nigeria’s higher education system amid ongoing challenges related to governance and accountability.
Reactions from Stakeholders
The decision has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders in Nigeria’s academic community. While some have welcomed the government’s intervention as necessary for restoring order and integrity at UNIZIK, others have expressed concern about potential political interference in university affairs.
ASUU has reiterated its call for transparency and due process in all appointments within Nigerian universities to prevent similar controversies in the future. The union emphasized that adherence to established protocols is vital for maintaining trust and stability within academic institutions.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
