Professor Bernard Odoh, recently appointed vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), has rejected his sacking by the Federal Ministry of Education, asserting that the ministry lacks the legal authority to remove him from his position.
The academic controversy erupted after Odoh emerged as the seventh substantive vice-chancellor of the university on October 29, 2024, with his appointment quickly becoming a subject of intense scrutiny and dispute.
The Explainer reported President Bola Tinubu’s administration, through special adviser Bayo Onanuga, announced the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council and Odoh’s removal on Wednesday, citing procedural irregularities in his appointment.
“The ministry’s actions raise significant questions about the appointment process and academic credentials,” said Odoh’s spokesperson, Charles Otu, in a comprehensive statement challenging the ministry’s decision.
Odoh’s response was unequivocal and legally assertive. “You have no power to fire me,” he effectively declared, questioning the legitimacy of the ministry’s intervention.
“Already, the greatest question mark on the integrity of the purported letter is the fact that it never emanated from the President or Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who issued the council members with appointment letters,” Odoh stated through his spokesperson.
The dispute centers around Odoh’s academic profile, particularly his claimed visiting professorship at Federal University, Gusau (FUGUS). Both FUGUS and the university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have challenged his claims.
“Why is the ministry still referring to him as ‘unqualified?’ Even when the vice-chancellor has made his academic credentials public?” Odoh questioned, emphasizing the need for transparent verification.
The Explainer learned the controversy involves multiple layers of institutional politics and legal challenges.
Odoh pointed out that multiple lawsuits are pending at the National Industrial Court in Awka, suggesting premature action by the ministry.
“Why is the ministry desperately trying to usurp the powers of the courts of competent jurisdictions in our land before whom are multiple lawsuits on this matter?” he argued.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has also weighed in, declaring the appointment “illegal and a mockery of the university system.” The union criticized the entire recruitment process, from advertisement to selection.
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Odoh remains resolute, indicating he will not vacate his office until the court rules otherwise.
“We would wish to maintain that hence parties have remained in court, let the issues be expeditiously tested and established by the relevant provisions of our laws,” he stated.
