Awka, Nigeria – The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Benard Odoh, has strongly refuted circulating rumours suggesting that his appointment has been annulled. In a press release issued on Monday by his personal media assistant, Mr. Charles Otu, Prof. Odoh clarified that his appointment followed all legal procedures and confirmed that he would officially assume office on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
The clarification comes in response to a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by Mrs. R.G. Ilyasu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, which claimed that Prof. Odoh’s appointment had been rendered null and void. However, in his statement, Otu emphasized that due process was strictly adhered to during the selection process.
He explained that the Ministry of Education’s role is to oversee general educational standards nationwide but does not have the legal authority to intervene in the internal decisions of university councils, including the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor. Otu pointed out that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council had followed all statutory requirements, as outlined in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap. 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.
“The Ministry of Education does not have the legal power to direct or control the daily operations of a university council,” the statement read. “The actions taken by the Governing Council, including the appointment of Prof. Odoh, were in full compliance with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Standing Orders, which stipulate the quorum and procedural requirements for such decisions.”
Prof. Odoh further emphasized that the university governing council, as an autonomous body, holds the exclusive responsibility for making decisions regarding key university appointments. He noted that any communication with the Ministry is for transparency and coordination purposes, not for approval or oversight.
Addressing the sources of the false claims, Prof. Odoh described the opposition from certain individuals whose preferred candidates were not selected as both “unhealthy” and “distracting.” He urged the university community to remain calm and focused, reiterating that his official assumption of office would take place as scheduled.
To mark the occasion, a Catholic mass and office blessing by a Catholic Bishop will be held, marking the beginning of Prof. Odoh’s tenure as the new Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK.
In conclusion, Prof. Odoh called on the university community to ignore the misleading rumours and to support the university’s progress under his leadership, assuring that he was committed to advancing the institution’s academic and administrative goals.
