In response to recent claims circulating on social media and in the press, the media office of Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh has refuted reports that the Federal Ministry of Education has voided his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK). According to Charles O. Otu, Personal Assistant for Media and Publicity to Professor Odoh, the circulating reports are “inaccurate and baseless.”
Otu explained that the rumors stem from a letter allegedly from the Federal Ministry of Education, dated November 1, 2024, addressed to UNIZIK’s Pro-Chancellor, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
However, the university’s Registrar, R. I. Nwokike, has confirmed that all procedures leading to Professor Odoh’s appointment were conducted in full compliance with statutory requirements as outlined by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act.
Following a rigorous selection process, Odoh emerged as the top candidate among 15 applicants considered for the role. “The entire process was conducted transparently and in line with the laws governing the university,” said Nwokike, who underscored that the university’s Governing Council met all quorum requirements and followed due process.
Emphasizing the independence of the university’s Governing Council, Otu noted that Nigerian law grants universities autonomy over internal governance, free from direct interference by the Ministry of Education.
He pointed to the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1 of 2007, which protects the independence of university councils in appointments and decision-making.
“The Council makes decisions in the best interest of the university community, which is essential for fostering academic freedom and development,” Otu stated.
This autonomy prevents external influence on key academic and administrative matters, thus safeguarding universities’ academic missions and enabling them to prioritize student and staff interests.
Nigerian law recognizes university councils as self-governing entities, with the Ministry of Education providing general oversight rather than direct control.
This separation, as Otu explained, allows universities to make decisions that align with their academic objectives while upholding national educational standards.
In light of this, Otu urged the public to disregard the misinformation, reaffirming the lawful status of Odoh’s appointment and inviting the university community to a high mass on Tuesday to mark the new Vice-Chancellor’s first day in office.