Okonkwo Samuel
By Okonkwo Samuel
While warming up to assume office as the newly appointed 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh and the Registrar, Barrister Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike have reportedly been relieved of their appointments by the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja. The decision, which has sent shockwaves across the university community, was based on alleged violations of established procedures and unresolved internal conflicts within the institution.
According to the letter from the Ministry, the appointments made by UNIZIK’s Governing Council under Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Amb. Greg Ozuomba Mbadiwe have been rendered invalid. The Ministry emphasized that appointments were conducted without input from key stakeholders, including Ministry representatives and internal council members, thereby breaching both protocol and respect for “constituted authority.”
The letter stated: “Sequel to the meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education held on Friday, October 25, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be made by your Council without reconciling with aggrieved parties within the university community. It has come to the Ministry’s attention that your Council proceeded with the Vice Chancellor appointment without consultation with the necessary stakeholders on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. This action disregards existing provisions and is in conflict with due process.”
The Ministry also advised the UNIZIK Council to “put on hold all other appointments in the university pending the assumption of duty by the new Honourable Minister of Education.”
The crisis surrounding Dr. Odoh’s appointment has stirred significant unrest within UNIZIK, with several professional associations, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIZIK Chapter, and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, lodging legal complaints in federal courts. These groups, along with other members of the university community, contend that the recent appointments were made prematurely and without proper consultation, causing instability within the institution.
The Ministry’s directive has increased pressure on Amb. Greg Mbadiwe and the university’s Governing Council to address these concerns and work toward a resolution that aligns with the Ministry’s mandate and the expectations of stakeholders.
