Nnamdi Azikiwe University Rejects FG’s Cancellation of New VC and Registrar Appointments
The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has rejected the federal government’s decision to cancel the appointments of Professor Benard Odoh as Vice Chancellor and R.I. Nwokike as Registrar ¹. The federal ministry of education had claimed that the appointments did not follow existing guidelines.
University’s Response
In a reply to the ministry’s letter, the university’s registrar and secretary of the governing council, Nwokike, clarified that all necessary protocols were observed during the appointment process. She stated that invitations were sent to all relevant parties, and the meeting had broad representation from stakeholders, including the Federal Character Commission [1).
Controversy Surrounding the Appointment
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has protested Odoh’s credentials, disputing his professorship status ¹. Since the appointment, there have been mixed reactions from the university community, with some jubilating and others protesting.
New VC’s Background
Professor Benard Odoh, an applied geophysics professor from Ebonyi State, was the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government from 2015 to 2018 and the All Progressives Grand Alliance’s gubernatorial nominee in Ebonyi State in 2023 ².
