In response to reports of his dismissal as the 7th Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Benard Odoh addressed the controversy surrounding his appointment, asserting that it fully complies with relevant laws.
In a statement released on Monday morning and signed by his Personal Assistant for Media and Publicity, Mr. Charles Otu, Odoh noted that, in accordance with a recent announcement from UNIZIK’s Management, a high mass service will be held on Tuesday to mark his assumption of office. The public is invited to attend this event celebrating his first day as Vice-Chancellor.
The statement explained: “Recent social and mainstream media reports have circulated a letter purportedly from the Federal Ministry of Education, dated November 1, 2024, which was addressed to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This letter claims to void the appointment of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the university’s 7th Vice-Chancellor.
“The University Management, whose responsibility it is to clarify any inquiries regarding Odoh’s appointment—where he emerged as the top candidate among fifteen interviewed out of eighteen applicants—has responded through the Registrar, R.I. Nwokike. They provided thorough clarifications supported by facts, figures, and photographic evidence detailing the processes undertaken by the University’s Senate and Governing Council during the October 29, 2024, interview and selection process. Relevant copies of all documents used have been appended.
“Moreover, the institution has affirmed that its actions have been informed by and are in compliance with the statutory requirements outlined in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.
“The Registrar, who also serves as the Secretary to the Council, addressed the Federal Ministry of Education in a letter dated the same day, confirming that the Council’s actions adhered strictly to Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council, which stipulates a quorum of five members, including either the Vice-Chancellor or his Deputy, one appointee of the Visitor, and one appointee of the Senate.
“In response to allegations of procedural violations, the Registrar also clarified that due process was meticulously followed throughout the appointments of both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.
“For further clarity, it is essential to highlight that existing laws explicitly delineate the roles of the Governing Council of a tertiary institution, in relation to both the Visitor and the Ministry of Education.
“In Nigeria, the Governing Council of a university plays a critical and unique role in its governance and administration. This body possesses the legal authority to oversee university operations, including making significant decisions regarding policies, finances, and appointments—such as the selection of a Vice-Chancellor. This council functions independently, without direct control from external entities, including the Federal Ministry of Education.
“It is imperative to understand that, under current law, the University Council is established to act in the best interest of the institution without external interference.
“Thus, the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act of 2003, also known as the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007, solidifies this autonomy by asserting that the council’s powers must be exercised according to the laws and statutes of each university, rendering inconsistent establishment circulars inapplicable.
“While the Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) oversee educational standards nationally, they lack the legal authority to direct or control the daily decisions of a university council, including appointments for Vice-Chancellors.”
“Rather, the Council works within a structure of University Laws, Rules and Regulations that guide its decisions. It is therefore safe to conclude that the relationship between the University’s Governing Council and the Ministry of Education is structured by law to be respectful, yet separate.
“Therefore, when the Council reaches a decision, such as appointing a new Vice-Chancellor (VC), (as it has done in the instant case of NAU), it communicates this decision to the Ministry as a form of official notification. This is a requirement for transparency and coordination, not for approval or control.
“In this way, the Council is maintaining its role as an autonomous governing body—a body that can make its own decisions free from outside orders.”
He added: “This legal separation is important for a number of reasons. First, it allows the university to make choices based on what’s best for its students, staff and academic goals.
“Second, it prevents political or outside influences from swaying important decisions about University governance. This autonomy in governance, no doubt, protects academic freedom, allowing universities to promote an environment where ideas can grow, research can advance and students can learn without outside pressure.
“As a matter of fact, Nigerian law recognizes the University councils as autonomous bodies with the right to govern their institutions independently. And like earlier emphasized, while the Federal Ministry of Education has a general role in supporting and guiding the education sector, it does not have authority over specific university decisions or appointments. This structure is designed to protect universities and ensure they are managed by those closest to their academic mission.
“By respecting these boundaries, Nigerian universities can operate effectively, making choices that best serve their communities while also upholding national educational standards.
“This balance of autonomy and oversight is crucial to a healthy and forward-looking educational system in Nigeria and that is exactly the broader goal and objectives pursued by the Council in the case of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
“Without prejudice to related facts in this matter, however, it can be correctly deposited that the contrived misinformation and awkward desperation of some of those who died or whose preferred candidate(s) were unsuccessful in the race, though ordinarily common in an academic environment, is now getting unhealthy and distracting.
“Some of the suspected sponsors of these falsehoods that have been flying day and night since the official announcement of Odoh,a scholar who has distinguished himself in many publications and several other areas of competence and capacities within the university community and even beyond, now seems to be taken too far.
“Already, the appointment, which for now has not been expressly faulted by any law of our land, appears to be breeding some bad bloods and unsettling the nerves of some possible big spenders among our Igbo brothers, including some fifth columnists suspectedly in the nation’s ruling party.
“Could it be all about the sentiments of resentment against the average Ebonyi man by the rest of their brothers, particularly the Anambra man? Is this not already degenerating and becoming very unhealthy for a temple of knowledge in the mould of a premier institution like Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, which ordinarily should have the bests from anywhere in the world to pilot it’s affairs?
“These are now the questions on the lips of many. After all, it can be recalled that virtually all key public institutions in Ebonyi, where Odoh hails from, are named after our departed Anambra heroes.
“All parties in the matter, are therefore admonished to give peace a chance while members of the general public are urged to disregard, in its entirety, all the news and false documents purporting the declaration of the actions of the UNIZIK Governing Council as null and void.
“Rather, and in compliance with the recent circular of the Management of the institution, which informed on its website that a high Mass service shall be held on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024 as part of activities for the resumption of office of the Seventh Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, members of the public are cordially invited to witness the events marking the first day in office of the new Vice-Chancellor.
“They are also urged to continue to demonstrate their unwavering support and commitments to ensure a successful tenure for the newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor. Already, the welter of congratulatory messages that have poured in from the academic communities, Ebonyi State, South East, Nigeria in general and the rest of the world, is already a testament to the fact that the appointment is a round peg in a round hole.”
