The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has condemned the recent appointment of Dr. Benard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, describing the process as illegal.
In a statement issued by ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, and made available on Wednesday, the union called on President Bola Tinubu, as the university’s visitor, to cancel the appointments immediately.
ASUU’s stance follows deliberations at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, on November 8 and 9. The meeting focused on pressing issues in the university system, including the contentious appointments at NAU.
Breaches of University Laws and Procedures
According to ASUU, the appointments violated established laws and procedures governing the selection process. The union accused the NAU Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, of disregarding advertised eligibility criteria for the Vice-Chancellor role.
The union argued that Dr. Odoh was unqualified for the position, citing his status as a doctoral degree holder rather than a professor, among other issues. Additionally, ASUU noted that key stakeholders, including internal council members and Senate representatives, were excluded from the selection process, a clear breach of university regulations.
Failed Appeals and Warnings
ASUU revealed that several appeals to the Mbadiwe-led Council by stakeholders—including NAU’s ASUU chapter, the university Senate, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria—were ignored.
Describing the appointments as “dictatorial” and a “mockery of the academia,” the union warned that the continued stay of Dr. Odoh and Mrs. Nwokike in office could lead to anarchy within the university.
Call to Action
ASUU has urged President Tinubu to intervene urgently to restore order at NAU by annulling the appointments and ensuring due process is followed in future selections.
“These appointments have no place in university law and tradition. They must be reversed to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian university system,” the union stated.
The controversy continues to draw attention as stakeholders await the federal government’s response to ASUU’s demands.
