The Vice-Chancellor’s Office at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, has urged the public to ignore a letter circulating in the media that allegedly originates from the Federal Ministry of Education. This letter falsely claims that the appointment of Prof. Bernard Odoh as the university’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) has been annulled. The Governing Council of the university formally appointed Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics, as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor following a successful interview conducted last Tuesday. The chaotic developments have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the appointment and the procedures followed for his selection.
The controversy stems from a letter that reportedly came from the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by one Mrs. R.G. Ilyasu. This communication asserts that Odoh’s appointment was “null and void” due to the alleged failure to follow due process during the selection. In response, Charles Otu, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to Prof. Odoh, firmly stated that the university adhered to all necessary processes throughout the appointment. Otu emphasized that according to Nigerian law, the Ministry of Education’s role is to provide oversight on educational standards rather than to dictate or manage the day-to-day affairs of university councils, including VC appointments.
Otu provided clarity regarding the legality of the appointment, indicating that Nnamdi Azikiwe University acted in accordance with its governing laws, specifically the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, and the Standing Orders of the Governing Council. He detailed how the governing council satisfied the quorum requirements laid out, which necessitates the presence of five members, including crucial appointments from both the Vice-Chancellor or Deputy and other board members. The registrar’s communication reinforced that due processes were meticulously followed in the appointments of both the Vice-Chancellor and the registrar, thereby dismissing claims of procedural violations.
In further clarifying the university’s governance, Otu highlighted the critical functions performed by the governing council, asserting its autonomy as an independent body capable of executing decisions that best serve the interests of the students, faculty, and academic integrity of the institution. This independence is key in avoiding interference from external parties, which can lead to misunderstandings and adverse tensions among stakeholders, especially in a context where significant factions within the educational and political landscape may influence such appointments.
Otu asserted that the atmosphere surrounding the appointment was becoming tense, potentially due to anxiety among influential local figures and stakeholders, perhaps even within the ruling political party. There are concerns that some factions may be dissatisfied with the outcome of this appointment. Therefore, he urged all involved parties to prioritize peace and collaboration while calling upon the public to disregard the false claims and documents suggesting that the council’s decisions were unlawful or illegitimate.
As part of the inauguration proceedings for the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, a mass service is planned for November 5, 2024, in celebration of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh’s first day in office. The university encourages public participation in this event, framing it as a momentous occasion that underscores the institution’s governance protocols and the importance of unity amongst its community. This initiative is part of a larger attempt to reinforce the legitimacy of the appointment amid the controversy, inviting the public to witness and support the new administrative leadership at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
