“My Appointment is Valid; I’ll Assume Office on Tuesday” – VC Odoh Amid UNIZIK Crisis

Prof. Benard Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), has firmly denied claims that his appointment has been voided. In a press release issued by his personal media assistant, Mr. Charles Otu, Odoh stated that he would officially assume office on Tuesday, reaffirming the legitimacy of his appointment process.

This statement comes in response to a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by Mrs. R. G. Ilyasu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, which claimed that Odoh’s appointment was null and void. However, Otu emphasized that the university’s governing council had meticulously followed the stipulated guidelines throughout the appointment process.

“According to Nigeria’s extant laws, the Ministry of Education oversees general educational standards but lacks the authority to control the daily decisions of a university council, including the appointment of a Vice Chancellor,” Otu stated.

He further highlighted that the actions taken by the council were in full compliance with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004. The Registrar, who also serves as the Secretary to the Council, confirmed that the council’s actions adhered to the provisions of Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders, which specify the quorum requirements necessary for council decisions.

Otu clarified the distinct roles of the university’s governing council, the Visitor, and the Ministry of Education, asserting that the council operates independently and is empowered to oversee university governance, including key decisions about appointments.

In response to the backlash from certain factions within the university community, Odoh described the opposition from those whose candidates were not selected as “unhealthy and distracting.” He urged members of the university community to foster a spirit of peace and cooperation during this transition period.