The Federal Ministry of Education has annulled the appointment of Prof. Benard Odoh as Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State. This decision comes following widespread controversy surrounding Odoh’s appointment, which was made by the governing council led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.
Reports indicate that Odoh’s appointment, sealed last Tuesday, sparked protests from various stakeholders within the university community, who expressed concerns over the manner in which the appointment was conducted.
A memo from the Federal Ministry of Education, signed by R. A. Ilyasu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, explicitly stated, “RE APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTANTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR AND REGISTRAR FOR NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA.”
The letter outlined a meeting that took place on October 25, 2024, between the governing council and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, during which it was agreed that no appointments should proceed without prior reconciliation with university stakeholders.
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry that your Council had gone ahead to appoint a Vice Chancellor for the University without the Representative of the Ministry, the internal council members, and other Stakeholders on Tuesday, 29” October 2024. This is a gross disregard to constituted Authority and is not in line with extant provisions,” the memo asserted.
Consequently, the letter declared all appointments made by the governing council, including that of the registrar, as “null and void.” It further instructed the council to suspend all other appointments until the new Honourable Minister of Education assumes office.
“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and considerations of the Permanent Secretary Education,” the letter concluded.
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