UNIZIK Opposes FG’s Move To Nullify VC, Registrar Appointments

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has firmly rejected the federal government’s annulment of the appointments of its new Vice Chancellor, Professor Benard Odoh, and Registrar, R.I. Nwokike.

This decision follows a communication from the Federal Ministry of Education, which stated that the recent appointments did not adhere to established protocols.

On Friday, the Federal Ministry of Education reached out to the university’s governing council chairman, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, indicating that all appointments should be paused until the new Minister of Education takes office.

The correspondence was signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. R. Ilyasu.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in response to the ministry’s concerns, Nwokike addressed the issues directly, clarifying that there was no formal meeting between the Pro-Chancellor and the Minister of State for Education. Instead, she noted that only informal discussions had taken place between the outgoing Minister of State and the university’s governing council.

Nwokike further explained that all necessary protocols were observed during the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting held on October 29, 2024. She emphasized that invitations were duly issued to all relevant parties, ensuring broad participation from stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Character Commission, external and internal council members, and various other stakeholders.

To support her claims, Nwokike provided evidence, including the attendance register, photographs documenting the proceedings, and copies of the official meeting notice sent to stakeholders. She confirmed that the meeting constituted a quorum as mandated by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004, and that due process was rigorously maintained throughout the selection and appointment of both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.

“Of the 18 applicants for the position, 15 attended the interview, and score sheets were duly documented. The Council, within the scope of its lawful authority, has fulfilled its mandate with transparency and adherence to the University’s regulations,” Nwokike stated.

She also dismissed the suggestion of “reconciling with aggrieved persons” as irrelevant to the procedural integrity of the appointments.

“We appreciate your attention to these clarifications and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of due process and legal compliance,” Nwokike concluded.

Since the appointment of Professor Odoh the previous week, reactions within the university community have been mixed, ranging from celebrations to protests. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has also raised concerns regarding the qualifications of the new Vice Chancellor, questioning his credentials and disputing claims regarding his status as a professor.