VC Crisis: “Withdraw Lawsuits or Face Consequences,” UNIZIK Council Warns Staff in Memo

The Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has issued an order requiring staff members involved in lawsuits against the institution to withdraw their cases. This directive, issued on behalf of the university’s Governing Council, was detailed in an internal memo dated November 11, 2024.

The memo, reference number NAU/REG/958/Vol.VII/44, titled “Directive to Withdraw Legal Action Against the University,” has given staff a seven-day deadline to comply. Addressed to “All Concerned Staff,” the directive was also distributed to key university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, and department heads.

The instruction comes amidst a heated dispute over the recent appointment of Vice-Chancellor Benard Odoh, whose selection process has sparked criticism and legal actions from various staff members and associations. Notably, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIZIK chapter, and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria have initiated legal action, alleging irregularities in Odoh’s appointment process and questioning his qualifications, specifically his status as a professor.

Responding to these concerns, the Governing Council has defended its decision, asserting that Odoh’s appointment was conducted with full adherence to university regulations. In addition, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor has refuted a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education that allegedly sought to annul Odoh’s appointment, emphasizing that the ministry lacks the authority to interfere with university governance under the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act.

In an official statement, Charles Otu, the Vice-Chancellor’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, reiterated the university’s position, stating that all procedures were followed according to institutional and legal standards.

The Pro-Chancellor’s directive urges staff members to comply by retracting their legal actions, warning that continued defiance will be seen as an affront to the authority of the Governing Council. Responding to this, a senior ASUU official commented, “The Pro-Chancellor fails to understand that he is dealing with intellectuals.”