UNIZIK Crisis: ASUU Petitions Tinubu, Calls for Sack of VC Benard Odoh, Chairman Greg Mbadiwe

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene in what they describe as a “brewing crisis” at the university. The petition, spearheaded by UNIZIK’s ASUU chapter, calls for the immediate dismissal of recently appointed Vice Chancellor Dr. Benard Odoh and Chairman of the University Council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, accusing them of numerous procedural and ethical violations.

Background of the Appointment Controversy

According to ASUU, on October 29, 2024, Dr. Odoh, a 1999 graduate of Geological Sciences from UNIZIK, was installed as Vice Chancellor in what the union alleges was a politically motivated and improperly conducted selection process. ASUU asserts that Dr. Odoh does not meet the university’s published criteria for the VC position and claims his appointment came through the direct intervention of Ambassador Mbadiwe, whom they accuse of manipulating the selection process in favor of Dr. Odoh.

UNIZIK ASUU’s statement emphasizes the university’s values—”Discipline, Self-Reliance, and Excellence”—and argues that recent actions taken by Mbadiwe and his “clique” have compromised the institution’s academic integrity. The union characterizes Dr. Odoh as a “political jobber” unqualified for the role, alleging that his previous academic appointments are misleading or questionable. They further highlight Dr. Odoh’s controversial rapid progression from a lecturer to Reader status, despite his significant involvement in political pursuits during this period.

Claims of Manipulated Criteria and Conflict of Interest

ASUU’s petition outlines several procedural concerns. Among the core issues, the union criticizes the eligibility criteria published for the VC position, arguing it was narrowly tailored to benefit a pre-selected candidate, thereby excluding numerous qualified applicants from consideration. A stipulation that applicants must have attracted funding of N400 million or more is highlighted as an example of restrictive criteria designed to favor Dr. Odoh.

Further grievances include allegations that the Council, under Mbadiwe’s leadership, disregarded academic protocols by excluding the university’s internal Council members and ASUU representatives from the selection process. ASUU contends that Mbadiwe failed to consult with key university stakeholders and ignored requests for a corrigendum to the selection criteria, which ASUU deems critical to ensuring a fair and transparent process.

“Academic Fraud” Allegations and False Credentials

In their petition, ASUU also questions Dr. Odoh’s professional credentials. Citing an official response from the Federal University of Gusau, ASUU claims that Dr. Odoh falsely presented himself as a Visiting Professor in Geophysics and as the department’s head during his time as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government. The response from Gusau’s registrar, as referenced by ASUU, denies any record of Dr. Odoh’s affiliation with the university in these capacities.

In an emotionally charged statement, UNIZIK ASUU condemned Dr. Odoh’s self-identification as a professor outside the university, labeling it an “academic fraud” that, they argue, contradicts the values of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Allegations Against Mbadiwe: Breach of Due Process and Authoritarian Control

ASUU’s petition goes beyond Dr. Odoh, accusing Ambassador Mbadiwe of authoritarian tendencies and procedural breaches. They allege that Mbadiwe, who was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, sidelined internal members of the Council and undermined institutional procedures. The union accuses Mbadiwe of taking “dictatorial” actions, including unilaterally appointing Council members, disregarding Senate nominees, and manipulating the selection committees’ composition to serve the interests of his preferred candidate.

The petition details how both the Vice Chancellor and Registrar selection exercises were conducted in secrecy, with sudden venue changes and an alleged attempt to prevent legal processes from interfering. During the VC interviews, candidates reportedly only had five minutes to present themselves, a scenario that ASUU described as a “charade.”

ASUU’s Call for Presidential Intervention

In their concluding remarks, ASUU expressed dismay at what they see as a blatant disregard for the principles of transparency and meritocracy in the selection of university leadership. The union’s petition to President Tinubu stresses the need for urgent intervention to restore the integrity of UNIZIK’s selection process, protect its academic values, and prevent what they fear could be further erosion of the institution’s reputation.

ASUU has called for the immediate removal of Dr. Odoh and Ambassador Mbadiwe from their respective positions to facilitate an inclusive and legitimate selection process that upholds UNIZIK’s motto: Discipline, Self-Reliance, and Excellence.