The removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, has sparked significant debate, with Odoh challenging the legitimacy of his dismissal.
The Federal Government, citing irregularities in his appointment, dissolved both the governing council and his position. However, Odoh insists that due process was not followed, leading to questions about the legality and fairness of the decision.
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government expressed concerns over the governing council’s appointment of an “unqualified” vice-chancellor. The statement alleged that Odoh’s appointment violated the university’s established laws and procedures.
The government’s actions were aimed at addressing tensions that arose between the university’s Senate and the governing council. “The council’s apparent disregard for governing laws necessitated the dissolution of the council and the removal of the vice-chancellor,” the statement read.
In an interview on Arise TV, Prof. Odoh criticized the method of his removal, claiming that the decision lacked procedural fairness. He argued that his dismissal via a press release was inappropriate and did not align with the standard investigative procedures required for such actions.
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“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but the governing council is the only body authorized to recommend my removal after conducting an investigation,” Odoh said. “The president might have been misinformed. You can’t fire someone you didn’t directly employ.”
Odoh emphasized that his appointment was handled by a constituted authority that followed due process, adding, “I was not appointed through a press release, and I shouldn’t be removed through one either.”
Questions about the legitimacy of Odoh’s professorship have also been raised, further complicating the controversy. However, Odoh vehemently denied these allegations, claiming they were based on “lies and fake news.”
He revealed that the records of his confirmation as a professor were authenticated by the Sokoto State High Court, following an alleged attempt to tamper with his academic records. “The vice-chancellor who appointed me is still at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and even wrote my reference letter,” he noted.
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Odoh also pointed to ongoing lawsuits as a key factor in the controversy. According to him, four pending court cases involving his appointment are yet to be resolved, and the Federal Ministry of Education, a party to these cases, acted prematurely. “The court hasn’t ruled on these matters, so there’s no basis for my removal,” he argued.
Additionally, Odoh attributed his ordeal to regional bias, claiming that his removal was partly influenced by his origin from Ebonyi State, which he described as being regarded as a “third-class” state. “This bias has led to a gang-up against me. People think I’m not qualified simply because of where I come from,” he lamented.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) also weighed in, accusing the governing council of violating due process in Odoh’s appointment. ASUU called for the council’s dissolution, alleging acts of illegality and misconduct.
Odoh’s dismissal highlights deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s higher education governance. From alleged irregularities in appointment processes to the role of regional politics and unresolved legal disputes, the controversy raises questions about transparency and accountability within the university system.
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For Odoh, the stakes are not just personal but also professional, as he expressed concerns about the university’s accreditation and operations amidst the ongoing crisis. “As an alumnus, it pains me to see the institution being dragged into turmoil. I will do everything within my power to ensure the university’s activities proceed smoothly,” he said.
The removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University underscores the need for adherence to due process and impartial governance in Nigeria’s educational institutions. While the Federal Government’s actions aim to restore order, the controversy surrounding Odoh’s dismissal suggests that the underlying issues require a more thorough and transparent resolution.
As the matter unfolds, the focus must remain on upholding the integrity of the university system while ensuring that all parties are treated fairly under the law.