Prof Benard Odoh


By Uchenna Ezeadigwe 


The Federal Ministry of Education's University Department has reportedly sacked Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, just six days after his appointment.


In a letter referenced FME/HE/CU/82/302, addressed to the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council of the university, the Ministry declared Odoh's appointment null and void

 


The letter, signed by Mrs. R. Elyasu for the Permanent Secretary, was copied to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, and titled "RE: APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTANTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR AND REGISTRAR FOR NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY AWKA."


It stated that the University council's actions disregarded constituted authority and extant provisions by appointing a Vice Chancellor without the ministry's representative, internal council members, and other stakeholders .


The Ministry directed the university to put all appointments on hold pending the assumption of duty by the new Minister of Education.


This development comes two days before Odoh's planned thanksgiving service as Vice Chancellor.


The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, had announced a high mass to mark Odoh's first day in office, officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye before the suspension.