UNIZIK Opposes FG’s Removal of New VC, Registrar, Insists it Followed Due Process

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka has firmly rejected the Federal Government's annulment of the appointments of its new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benard Odoh, and Registrar, R.I. Nwokike.

The federal ministry of education had previously communicated to the university's governing council chairman, Amb Greg Mbadiwe, that these appointments did not adhere to existing guidelines.

This directive was conveyed through a letter signed by Mrs. R. Ilyasu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, urging the suspension of all appointments until the new Minister of Education assumes office.

In response, the Registrar and Secretary of the Governing Council, Nwokike, clarified that "contrary to any assumption of a formal engagement, the Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education." Instead, informal discussions occurred between the outgoing Minister of State and the university's council.

Addressing concerns about the absence of certain stakeholders at the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on October 29, 2024, Nwokike emphasized that "all necessary protocols were observed," with invitations issued to all relevant parties.

The meeting included representatives from the Federal Character Commission, external and internal council members, and various stakeholders, ensuring broad representation. Documentation such as the attendance register, photographs, and official meeting notices were provided for verification.

Nwokike confirmed that the quorum was constituted in compliance with statutory requirements, and due process was meticulously followed throughout the selection and appointment processes. Of the 18 applicants for the Vice Chancellor position, 15 attended the interview, with score sheets duly documented.

Despite mixed reactions within the university community, including protests from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) regarding Prof. Odoh's qualifications, the council maintained that it acted transparently and within its lawful authority. The management reaffirmed its commitment to upholding due process and legal compliance, dismissing suggestions of reconciling with aggrieved persons as irrelevant to procedural integrity.