Professor Bernard Odoh, recently dismissed as UNIZIK's Vice-Chancellor, disputes his removal by the Federal Ministry of Education, claiming it violated university regulations. Odoh challenges the legitimacy of the dismissal, citing ongoing lawsuits and questioning the authenticity of the dismissal letter while calling for a court resolution.
Professor Bernard Odoh, recently removed as Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has strongly contested his dismissal. Appointed on 29 October as the university's seventh substantive VC, his tenure was nullified on 1 November by the Federal Ministry of Education, citing irregularities in his selection process.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration dissolved UNIZIK's Governing Council, accusing it of appointing an "unqualified" VC without following due procedure. However, Odoh, through his spokesperson Charles Otu, maintains that only the President holds the authority to remove him.
Odoh dismissed the dismissal letter as illegitimate, questioning its origin from a Public Relations Director rather than senior ministry officials. He argued that his removal violated the University's Act and claimed that the council adhered to court directives during his appointment.
His academic credentials have faced scrutiny, with both the Federal University, Gusau, and academic unions disputing claims in his professional profile. Meanwhile, lawsuits challenging his appointment remain unresolved in the National Industrial Court in Awka.
Odoh accused the education ministry of overreach and alleged its actions were influenced by unnamed "fifth columnists." He vowed to remain in office pending a court ruling, urging calm within the university community.
ASUU and other stakeholders have criticized his appointment, calling it a "mockery of the university system" and alleging procedural violations. Despite the controversies, Odoh insists his appointment followed due process and maintains confidence in the judiciary to resolve the matter.
