Last Tuesday, the university's Governing Council officially announced Prof. Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics, as the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor after a successful interview conducted that same day.
However, a letter circulating in the media, purportedly addressed to the council and signed by Mrs. R.G. Ilyasu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, asserted that Odoh's appointment was declared "null and void," alleging that the appointment process did not adhere to proper protocols.
In response, Charles Otu, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice-Chancellor, issued a statement to journalists on Monday, affirming that all necessary procedures were diligently followed during Odoh's appointment.
Otu emphasized that according to Nigeria's existing laws, the ministry's role is to oversee general educational standards nationwide and does not possess the authority to dictate or influence the daily operations of a university's council, including the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor.
The statement included, “The institution has confirmed that all its actions were informed by and comply with the statutory requirements outlined in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.
“The Registrar, who also serves as the Secretary to the council, responded that the council's actions were fully in line with the provisions of Section 6 (a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council, which specifies that a quorum requires the presence of five members, including at least one of the following: The Vice-Chancellor or his Deputy, one appointee of the Visitor, and one appointee of the Senate.”
The registrar addressed allegations regarding due process violations by affirming that due process was thoroughly upheld during the appointments of both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.
"It is essential to highlight to the public that our current laws delineate the responsibilities of the governing council of a tertiary institution in relation to those of the Visitor and the Ministry of Education. In Nigeria, the governing council of a university holds a distinctive and vital position in the administration and governance of higher education institutions."
Otu emphasized that the university council operates as an "autonomous governing body" capable of making independent decisions that prioritize the interests of its students, staff, and academic objectives.
"The appointment, which has not been explicitly challenged by any existing laws, seems to be causing some discord and unsettling certain influential individuals among our Igbo community, including some suspected dissenters within the ruling party."
All parties involved are encouraged to promote peace, and the public is urged to completely disregard any news and false documents claiming that the actions of the UNIZIK governing council are null and void.
Additionally, it was announced that a "mass service will take place on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as part of the activities marking the resumption of office for the Seventh Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh. The public is warmly invited to attend the events celebrating the first day in office of the new Vice-Chancellor."