- University insists due process was followed
- Federal University Gusau denies Odoh’s Professorship claims
The Federal Ministry of Education has invalidated the recent appointment of Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
The Governing Council of the University recently appointed Odoh as the school’s 7th substantive vice-chancellor.
Under controversial circumstances, Odoh was on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, appointed by the University’s Governing Council led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.
In a letter addressed to the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council by Mrs. R. G. Ilyasu for the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, and dated November 1, the ministry said it had been agreed that there would be no appointments without reconciliation with the aggrieved parties of the school.
The letter reads, “Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, (HMSE) held on Friday, 25th October, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out by your Council without reconciling with the aggrieved parties in the University Community.
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry that your Council had gone ahead to appoint a Vice Chancellor for the University without the Representative of the Ministry, the internal council members and other Stakeholders on Tuesday, 29th October 2024. This is a gross disregard to constituted Authority and is not in line with Extant provisions.
“Against this backdrop: I am directed to inform you that all appointments made so far are null and void. You are therefore requested put on hold all other appointments in the University pending the assumption on duty of the new Honourable Minister of Education,” it added.
The letter was copied to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.
However, in a letter dated November 1st, and signed by the University Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Barr Mrs R.I. Nwokike, in response to the letter from the ministry, the school management said the University Governing Council followed all the laid down procedures on the appointment of the new vice chancellor and registrar.
“Contrary to any assumption of a formal engagement, the Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education.
“Instead, informal discussions took place between the outgoing Minister of State and the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. It is important to clarify that these discussions do not supersede or alter the enforceability of the court’s judgment.
“The Council, in discharging its duties, adhered strictly to a valid judgment from a competent court, which directed the Council to exercise its statutory authority in appointing the Vice-Chancellor. Please find attached the court judgment for reference.
“In response to concerns regarding the absence of the Ministry’s representative, certain internal Council members, and other stakeholders at the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on Tuesday, 29th October were observed,” the letter read.
It explained that invitations were duly issued to all relevant parties, to ensure that everyone was informed and given the opportunity to attend.
According to the school, “The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Federal Character Commission, external and internal Council members, and various other stakeholders, demonstrating a broad representation of interests.”
The management of the institution insisted that it had the attendance register, photographs documenting the proceedings, and copies of the official meeting notice sent to stakeholders for consideration to validate its claims.
In addition, the school confirmed that the quorum was duly constituted in compliance with the statutory requirements set forth in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.
“In accordance with Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council,” it said, “the quorum requirement mandates 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.
“For reference and validation, please find attached the Council’s constitutional documents and additional information linking these requirements to the University Act.”
It emphasised that, “Due process was meticulously observed throughout the selection and appointment processes for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.
“The suggestion of ‘reconciling with aggrieved persons’ is not relevant to this procedural integrity.
“Of the eighteen applicants for the position, fifteen attended the interview, and score sheets were duly documented.
“The Council, within the scope of its lawful authority, has fulfilled its mandate with transparency and adherence to the University’s regulations,” the school added in the statement.
Meanwhile, the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State has denied having any academic relationship with the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, Bernard Odoh.
This followed claims that Odoh became a professor at the Federal University Gusau in 2015.
The declaration made by the Federal University Gusau followed an inquiry made by Kingsley Awuka Esq, Principal Partner at Awuka, Okafor & Partners.
The school disclosed this in its reply to the lawyer dated October 28, 2024, and titled ‘RE: Request For Disclosure Of The Academic Status Of Dr. Ifeanyi Bernard Odoh Of The Department Applied Geophysics, Federal University Of Gusau, Pursuant To Sections 1(1) (2); And 2 (3) (D) (VI) Of The Freedom Of Information Act, Laws Of The Federation 2011.’
The letter obtained by SaharaReporters signed by Mal. Shehu Suleiman, Senior Staff Officer for the Registrar, reads, “I write on behalf of the Registrar to acknowledge your correspondence dated 4th October, 2024 on the above subject.
“Our records show that Dr. Ifeanyi Bernard Odoh never a staff nor a pioneer Head of the Department of Geology. Never shown up in the Department or though (sic) any course(s).”
