Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Governing Council Amid Vice-Chancellor Appointment Controversy.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), following controversies surrounding the appointment of Bernard Odoh as the institution’s vice-chancellor.
The decision comes after significant backlash and allegations of irregularities in the process that led to Odoh’s emergence as the seventh substantive vice-chancellor on 29 October. Reports claim that Odoh’s academic profile and the selection process faced widespread criticism, including accusations from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university associations.
One contentious issue involved Odoh’s claim of serving as a visiting professor at the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), Zamfara State, between 2015 and 2017. This was refuted by both FUGUS and its ASUU chapter in official responses, raising questions about the accuracy of his academic credentials.
The Federal Ministry of Education also invalidated Odoh’s appointment just three days after it was announced, citing the absence of ministry representatives, internal council members, and other key stakeholders during the selection process. The Ministry accused the Governing Council, chaired by Greg Mbadiwe, of failing to follow due process.
Despite the criticisms, the university defended the appointment, claiming it acted in compliance with a court ruling that affirmed its authority to appoint a vice-chancellor. In his first public statement, Odoh argued that the Ministry of Education had no legal basis to nullify his appointment.
However, the controversy escalated further on Monday, when ASUU condemned Odoh’s appointment, alongside that of the university’s Registrar, Rosemary Nwokike. ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osoedeke, labelled the appointments as illegal, stating that they violated established procedures, including the advertisement of vacancies, proper search processes, and adherence to shortlisting criteria.
Following the backlash, President Tinubu reportedly approved the dismissal of the entire Governing Council. Sources reveal that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, is expected to announce the decision officially within days.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Bernard Odoh will retain his position as vice-chancellor in light of the council’s dismissal. This development underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to due process in university appointments, as stakeholders continue to call for reforms in Nigeria’s higher education system.
