The All Progressive Congress (APC) has written to the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alaussa, demanding the immediate restoration of the sacked Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), ‘Professor’ Benard Odoh.
In a letter by the APC National Vice Chairman, South East Zone, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, addressed to ‘The Honourable Minister of Education’ and dated November 21, 2024, the party said it is imperative for the Minister to “immediately cease all actions that undermine the administration of UNIZIK and the legitimacy of its duly appointed Vice-Chancellor.
“I urge you to withdraw every damaging communications questioning Professor Odoh’s qualifications, issue a public directive affirming the legality of the appointment, and take steps to restore calm within the university and the South East zone, as well as avoid future interference in the university’s administration, respect the autonomy of university governing councils and the judiciary’s directives to prevent further crises.
“As a loyal supporter of this administration and a committed advocate for peace and development in Nigeria, I urge you to take decisive actions to resolve this matter. Your intervention at this critical moment will not only restore stability to UNIZIK but also reaffirm the administration’s interest. I remain confident in your ability to act with wisdom and fairness for the benefit of our nation.”
Dr Arodiogbu expressed “unequivocal dismay” over the Minister’s “actions regarding the administration of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), particularly your reckless and unwarranted statements and interference in the election and appointment process of its Vice-Chancellor.”
The full letter reads: “I write to express my unequivocal dismay over your actions regarding the administration of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), particularly your reckless and unwarranted statements and interference in the election and appointment process of its Vice-Chancellor. Your actions have not only caused serious administrative instability within the university but have also fueled a dangerous perception of marginalization and exclusion in the South East zone. This is not only intolerable, undermining the integrity of a critical institution, but also deeply harmful to the credibility of the federal administration and the unity of this country.
“Let me state from the outset that I am a strong supporter of this administration and its vision for a united, progressive, and inclusive Nigeria. However, recent developments regarding the administration of UNIZIK raise critical questions about ie fairness and equity expected from a federal institution, particularly in a region that already feels underrepresented in national governance. As a very thorough, detailed and transparent leader in the affairs pertaining to my zone, I caused an investigation into this issue by putting a call across to the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Gasau, who confirmed that the appointed candidate in question was awarded the rank of a professor after being accessed by three external professors for the rank. The later claim by the same university of not being able to find his file is very questionable on the university’s administration having whisked away his documents, and in turn causing unnecessary rancor.
“The process for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for UNIZIK adhered strictly to due process and established guidelines. The university management ensured transparency by issuing a call for applications from qualified candidates. When the Nigerian Medical and Dental Association raised concerns of exclusion, the process was ratified to accommodate their interests, leading to not less than three medical doctors applying, two of whom advanced to the interview stage. This demonstrated the council’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and following due process.
“It is therefore troubling that despite the university’s adherence to due process and a judicial directive to proceed with the election and appointment, the Ministry of Education has taken actions to undermine this process. These actions include allegations of qualification against Professor Bernard Odoh, a candidate who emerged through a rigorous, merit-based process. Such claims are baseless and fail to acknowledge the facts that:
- Professor Odoh’s Academic and Professional Qualifications:
Professor Bernard Odoh attained his professional rank from the Federal University Gusau after a rigorous review/assessment by both internal and external assessors. Following this, he sought and was granted leave to serve in a high-capacity role as the Secretary to the Government of Ebonyi State, showcasing his administrative acumen and leadership skills. His academic and professional achievements are beyond question.
- Transparency in the Appointment Process:
The selection process was conducted in full compliance with judicial directives and established standards of the University, ensuring that no unqualified candidate was selected. Any suggestion otherwise not only undermines the university but also casts doubt on the credibility of its governing council and the broader academic community, with a ripple effect on the South East Zone.
- Compliance with a Lawful Court Order:
Prior to conducting the election and appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, the university’s Governing Council was issued a court order explicitly directing them to proceed with the advertised election process. The council, acting in full compliance with this judicial directive, carried out the process transparently and in line with established guidelines. Any insinuation that the council acted improperly raises serious questions about whether the Honourable Minister is suggesting that the council should have defied a valid court order, thereby breaching the law and undermining the judiciary. Such a proposition would not only be untenable but also an affront to the rule of law and the principles of justice.
“The Ministry’s interference, particularly the letters questioning the qualifications of Professor Odoh, is reckless and damaging. Such actions create unnecessary administrative crises within the university and propagate a dangerous narrative of deliberate marginalization of the South East zone. The perception has far-reaching consequences, fueling resentment and weakening trust in federal institutions.
“The South East zone has long endured perceptions of exclusion from federal governance. The Ministry’s actions regarding UNIZIK reinforce these fears, exacerbating a sense of alienation among stakeholders in the region. The resulting crisis has already spilled beyond the confines of the university, affecting the wider community and tarnishing the administration’s reputation in the zone. If this is left unchecked and unratified, this situation has the potential to escalate further, with dire consequences for peace and stability in the region as well as this administration.
“As a senior academic and stakeholder in the South East zone, I find this situation deeply distressing. My professional background includes serving as a senior lecturer in the Department of Public Health at Imo State University, an associate professor in Health Economics and Planning, and a professor at Gregory University Uturu, I understand the critical importance of stability and fairness in our educational institutions and the negative impact of the perceived inequities on regional cohesion.
“Honourable Minister, as a medical doctor and an experienced leader yourself, you are uniquely positioned to address this issue with the urgency and fairness it requires. Your actions or inactions at this critical juncture will either restore faith in the administration’s commitment to equity or deepen the crisis further.
“Your continued interference is not only sabotaging the administration of Nnamdi Azikiwe University but also tarnishing your reputation and that of the government you represent. I have always considered you a friend of the President and a committed advocate for the progress of this administration. However, your handling of this issue has raised serious questions about your commitment to the advancement of this administration.
“It is imperative that you immediately cease all actions that undermine the administration of UNIZIK and the legitimacy of its duly appointed Vice-Chancellor. I urge you to withdraw every damaging communications questioning Professor Odoh’s qualifications, issue a public directive affirming the legality of the appointment, and take steps to restore calm within the university and the South East zone, as well as avoid future interference in the university’s administration, respect the autonomy of university governing councils and the judiciary’s directives to prevent further crises.
“As a loyal supporter of this administration and a committed advocate for peace and development in Nigeria, I urge you to take decisive actions to resolve this matter. Your intervention at this critical moment will not only restore stability to UNIZIK but also reaffirm the administration’s interest.
“I remain confident in your ability to act with wisdom and fairness for the benefit of our nation.”
