The Federal Government has sacked Dr. Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, citing illegal appointment processes. The Ministry of Education also dissolved the university's Governing Council over breaches of university laws. An acting VC will be appointed while a new council will be constituted.
The Federal Government has dismissed Dr. Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, following allegations of improper appointment. The Ministry of Education also dissolved the university’s Governing Council, citing grave violations of laws and disregard for directives.
According to the Ministry's statement, the Chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed Odoh, despite his failure to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position. This led to significant unrest within the university, disrupting the academic community and creating tension among stakeholders. The dissolution of the council and Odoh’s removal aim to restore order and proper governance at the institution.
The Federal Ministry emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that the council’s illegal actions were destabilizing the university. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, outlined plans to appoint an Acting Vice-Chancellor and form a new Governing Council to ensure compliance with the university's founding laws and restore proper governance.
This action follows demands from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which had accused the council of breaching due process in Odoh's appointment. The Federal Government's intervention is expected to prevent further deterioration of the situation at the university.
