Sacked UNIZIK VC Replies Presidency: “I Can’t Be Removed Through Press Statement”

The recently sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Bernard Odoh, has criticized the manner of his removal, insisting that due process was not followed.

Odoh’s dismissal, along with the dissolution of the university’s governing council, has sparked controversy over alleged irregularities in his appointment.

Presidency’s Statement on Odoh’s Removal

On Wednesday, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, issued a statement explaining the Federal Government’s intervention. The government acted following reports that the governing council appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without adhering to proper procedures.

The statement noted:
> “The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

> “After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 33-year-old institution.

> “The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”

Odoh’s Response

In a Thursday interview with Arise TV, Odoh rejected his removal via a press release, emphasizing that proper investigative and procedural steps were bypassed.

“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but the governing council that appointed me should be the one to recommend my removal after an investigation. Mr. President could have been ill-advised,” he stated.

Odoh argued that only the council that employed him had the authority to terminate his tenure, adding:

> “You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (President Tinubu) appointed the council, and the council followed due process to engage me. My removal through a press release is unacceptable.”

On Allegations of Impropriety

Responding to allegations surrounding his professorial status, Odoh dismissed the claims as “lies and fake news.” He explained that his records were validated by the Sokoto State High Court during his confirmation as a professor, and any insinuation of fraud was baseless.

“What some people did was pay someone to remove my records from the university. The VC who confirmed my appointment still teaches at UNIZIK and even wrote my reference letter,” he stated.

Accusations Against the Ministry of Education

Odoh accused the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, of acting prematurely by approving his removal despite pending lawsuits. He revealed that four separate court cases challenging his dismissal remain unresolved.

“The Federal Ministry of Education is a party to these lawsuits, and the court hasn’t ruled on them. The minister jumped the gun on a matter still under judicial review,” he said.

Claims of Marginalization

Odoh also alleged discrimination against him based on his origin, claiming his removal was influenced by his status as an indigene of Ebonyi State.

“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people. People feel I’m unqualified because of where I come from. This is a deliberate gang-up to remove me at all costs,” he lamented.

ASUU’s Position

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had earlier criticized the UNIZIK governing council for not adhering to due process in Odoh’s appointment. The union called on the Federal Ministry of Education to dissolve the council over alleged irregularities.

Odoh, however, vowed to continue efforts to stabilize the university’s operations, asserting his commitment to ensuring that accreditation and other institutional activities proceed as planned.