UNIZIK: Federal University Gusau Confirms Prof. Benard Odoh’s Professorship Amid Controversy

The academic qualifications of Prof. Benard Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, have been officially confirmed by the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State. This confirmation seeks to resolve the controversy surrounding his professorship.

According to a certified true copy of his appointment letter, Prof. Odoh was promoted to the rank of Professor of Geological Sciences on October 1, 2015. The document, dated November 12, 2015, and signed by Ibrahim B. Kaura, the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of Federal University Gusau, details that the promotion followed favorable evaluations by three external assessors.

The controversy began when the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) raised questions about Prof. Odoh’s professorship and called for a review of his appointment as Vice Chancellor. In response, Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s information directorate released a statement affirming the legitimacy of his academic standing. It clarified that his promotion to full Professor occurred in 2015 under the leadership of then Vice Chancellor Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Okeke.

The university emphasized that the promotion process was thorough and adhered to established academic standards. It involved rigorous evaluations of Prof. Odoh’s scholarly contributions, research, academic qualifications, administrative experience, and professional service. Among the external assessors who endorsed his promotion were prominent academics, including Prof. P.O. Okeke of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Prof. Aigbedion Isaac from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

The university also refuted claims circulating on social media that Prof. Odoh was never a staff member of Federal University Gusau. It confirmed that his name, staff number, and position were recorded in the university’s official academic staff list as of 2015.

Regarding allegations from ASUU that the appointments of both the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of UNIZIK violated guidelines, the university’s directorate stated that due process was followed. The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council, which is authorized to make such appointments, adhered to the statutory provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended).

The directorate further clarified that the selection process for the Vice Chancellor and Registrar involved rigorous oral interviews and evaluations based on established criteria. It emphasized that the appointments were based on merit, ensuring only the most qualified candidates were chosen.

In its conclusion, the university underscored the progress being made under Prof. Odoh’s leadership, highlighting initiatives promoting research, learning, and productivity. It called on staff and students to unite behind the Vice Chancellor’s vision for the university’s development and urged detractors to support efforts to advance the institution’s goals.