By Abigail Philip David
The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Bernard Odoh, has expressed dissatisfaction with the manner of his removal, asserting that due process was not followed.
Odoh was dismissed alongside the institution’s governing council over allegations of an illegal appointment. The Federal Government, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, justified the decision, citing concerns over the council’s noncompliance with the university’s governing laws during the selection process.
“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process,” the statement read.
However, Odoh, in an interview with *Arise TV*, rejected the method of his removal, insisting that only a formal investigative process by the governing council could recommend his dismissal.
“I am not disobeying Mr. President,” Odoh stated, “but the governing council, which appointed me through due process, must be the body to investigate and recommend my removal. You can’t fire someone you didn’t hire through a press release.”
Odoh argued that President Tinubu might have been misinformed, adding that the decision lacked any formal inquiry or investigation.
Defends Professorship Credentials
Addressing questions about his qualifications, Odoh dismissed allegations surrounding his confirmation as a professor, labeling them as baseless.
“When these lies about my professorship surfaced, the then-Registrar of the university provided my records to the Sokoto State High Court, confirming their validity,” he said. “The VC who appointed me is still teaching at UNIZIK and even wrote my reference letter.”
Odoh also claimed that individuals had tampered with his records to undermine him, alleging that money was paid to erase his academic history.
Pending Legal Cases
Odoh criticized the Federal Ministry of Education, accusing it of acting prematurely despite his pending legal battles.
“The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, jumped the gun. There are four lawsuits against me currently in court, with the ministry as a defendant. These matters remain unresolved, and now the ministry has taken action without waiting for the courts’ decisions,” he said.
Alleged Bias and Ethnic Marginalization
Odoh attributed his ordeal to prejudice based on his origin, claiming his status as an indigene of Ebonyi State—a so-called “third-class” state—was being used against him.
“I am from Ebonyi State, and people regard us as third-class citizens. Some individuals believe I am unqualified simply because of where I come from,” he lamented.
Despite his dismissal, Odoh vowed to continue his duties to ensure academic accreditations and other university activities proceed smoothly.
ASUU’s Stance
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has also weighed in, accusing UNIZIK’s governing council of failing to adhere to due process during Odoh’s appointment. The union called on the Federal Ministry of Education to dissolve the council over what it described as “acts of illegality.”
As the controversy unfolds, Odoh has vowed to seek justice and protect the integrity of the institution.
