By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has reportedly nullified the recent appointment of Prof. Benard Odoh as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
This is coming barely 48 hours after the immediate-past (Acting) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carol Umeobi handed over to Prof. Odoh on Wednesday as the new VC of the institution, following his appointment by the Prof. Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council.
The nullification of the appointment was communicated in a letter signed by R. A. Ilyasu for the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
Among other issues raised, the 4-paragraph letter cited what it described as gross disregard to constituted authority as a key reason for the nullification.
It further nullified all the appointments (including that of the UNIZIK Registrar) made by the same Mbadiwe-led Council, adding that the Council failed to reconcile with the aggrieved parties in the University Community before going on to make the appointments, which was contrary to the earlier agreement reached in a meeting the Council held with the Minister of State for Education.
The letter further warned the Council to all put on hold all other appointments in the University pending the assumption on duty of the new Honorable Minster of Education.
Titled “RE APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTANTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR AND REGISTRAR FOR NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA”, the letter read: “Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, (HMSE) held on Friday, 25th October, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out by your Council without reconciling with the aggrieved parties in the University Community.
“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, 29th October, 2024. This is a gross disregard to constituted Authority and is not in line with Extant provisions.
“Against this backdrop: I am directed to inform you that all appointments made so far are null and void. You are therefore requested put on hold all other appointments in the University, pending the assumption on duty of the new Honourable Minister of Education.
“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and considerations of the Permanent Secretary Education.”
The letter, which was dated November 1, 2024, was addressed to the Pro-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and also copied to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC).
