Education

Sacked UNIZIK VC Responds to Presidency, Rejects Removal; Give Reasons

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 21st, 2024.

Sacked UNIZIK VC Responds to Presidency, Rejects Removal; Give Reasons

Prof. Bernard Odoh, the dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has expressed dissatisfaction with the manner of his removal, asserting that due process was not followed in his ousting. Odoh’s comments came in the wake of his dismissal, along with the university’s governing council, over what has been described as an “illegal” appointment.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the Federal Government emphasized the need to intervene in the situation to prevent escalating tensions at the institution. The statement explained that the governing council and officials were dismissed due to the alleged unlawful appointment of an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, which did not adhere to the proper procedures.

“The Federal Government intervened to address the growing conflict between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council after the controversial appointment. It expressed concern over the council’s failure to follow the university’s governing regulations,” the statement noted.

However, Prof. Odoh, in an interview with Arise TV, strongly disagreed with his removal through a press statement, insisting that his dismissal should come only after a formal investigation by an authorized panel. He asserted that while he respects the President, he believes the council should have been the one to recommend his removal after a thorough inquiry.

“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but it’s the governing council that has the mandate to recommend my removal after an investigation,” Odoh said. “The President could have been misinformed. You can’t fire someone you didn’t hire. The council, which was appointed by the President, followed due process to engage me and offer me the position. My removal via a press release is not legitimate.”

On the issue of his academic qualifications, which have been publicly questioned, Odoh vehemently denied allegations that he was unqualified. He stated that when doubts were raised about his professorship, his records were verified and confirmed by the Sokoto State High Court. “Some individuals tried to erase my academic records, but the VC who appointed me is still teaching at the university and personally wrote my reference letter,” he explained.

Odoh also criticized the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for acting prematurely in his removal, noting that there were still ongoing lawsuits involving the ministry related to his appointment. “There are four pending lawsuits involving me, and the Ministry of Education is a party in these cases. The court has not yet ruled, so the ministry’s actions seem unjustified,” he said.

Further, Odoh hinted that his removal could be linked to ethnic prejudice, claiming that as a native of Ebonyi State, often considered a “third-class” state, some people have conspired to oust him. “Because I’m from Ebonyi State, I’ve been targeted. People feel I’m not qualified because of my background. There are efforts to remove me at all costs,” he added.

Despite his dismissal, Odoh affirmed his commitment to ensuring that academic activities and accreditation processes at UNIZIK continue smoothly. He expressed frustration over what he views as the destruction of the university, which he described as his alma mater. “The Federal Ministry of Education is introducing unnecessary conflict on campus. It pains me that the institution is being undermined,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has accused the university’s governing council of failing to follow the proper procedures in Odoh’s appointment and has called for the dissolution of the council due to alleged legal violations.