UNIZIK VC tells Presidency: I can’t be removed via press statement
Professor Bernard Odoh, the recently sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, expressed his concerns on Thursday about the manner in which his removal was handled, stating that it bypassed due process.
His remarks come after his dismissal, along with the sacking of the university’s governing council, over allegations of his “illegal” appointment.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, revealed that the Federal Government intervened due to growing tensions. The statement indicated that the governing council and officials were dismissed after reports suggested they had unlawfully appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following proper procedures.
READ ALSO: FG sacks newly appointed UNIZIK VC, dissolves governing council
Following the controversial appointment, the Federal Government intervened to ease tensions between Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s Senate and its Governing Council. The government expressed concerns over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process, according to a statement.
However, in an interview with Arise TV, Prof. Bernard Odoh insisted that he would not accept his removal via a press release. He emphasized that his dismissal should be based on the findings of an investigating council, not a public statement.
He stated, “I’m not defying Mr. President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my dismissal after conducting an investigation,” adding that “Mr. President may have been misinformed.”
“You cannot dismiss someone you did not hire. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council, and the council followed the proper procedures to engage with me and issue a letter. He cannot remove me through a press release.”
“There was no inquiry panel. I wasn’t appointed through a press release, but by an authorized body that followed a clear and proper process,” he explained.
Regarding the controversy surrounding his confirmation as a Professor, Odoh denied the allegations, stating that when rumors and falsehoods about his professorship arose, the Registrar at the time he was confirmed took his records to the Sokoto State High Court for validation.
“Some individuals even paid someone to remove my records from the university. The Vice Chancellor who appointed me still teaches at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and he personally wrote my reference letter,” he added.
Odoh also pointed out that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, acted prematurely in regards to his dismissal, as he has four ongoing lawsuits in various courts.
“These cases have not been resolved, yet the minister rushed to act on a matter where the Federal Ministry of Education is a defendant. The court has not made a ruling on this issue, so I don’t see any reason for all the commotion,” he concluded.
Odoh claimed that his challenges were also linked to being from a “third-class” state, adding that he was committed to going to the university to ensure proper accreditation and smooth operations.
“I’m from Ebonyi State, and we are often considered third-class people. Some believe I’m not qualified simply because I’m from Ebonyi. There are people who have conspired to remove me at any cost,” he stated.
“I will continue going to the university to ensure that activities and accreditation proceed as they should. The Federal Ministry of Education is causing turmoil on campus. As an alumnus of this university, it deeply pains me to see it being undermined,” he said.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the university’s Governing Council of failing to follow due process in Odoh’s appointment and called for the council’s dissolution over alleged illegal actions.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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