* ASUU Snobs New VC


By Uchenna Ezeadigwe 


The controversy ignited by the appointment of Professor Benard Odoh as the  Vice Chancellor for  Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NAU Awka is far from over as it's chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have distanced the Union from him urging all its members to refrain from any official interaction with him.


In a related development, a senior lecturer and consultant anesthesiologist at NAU, Dr. Chukwudi Ojiakor, has called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to sack  Prof Odoh. 


He also leveled serious allegations against out going Vice Chancellor,  Dr. Ber, questioning his qualifications and legitimacy.


Speaking to dailyledger.com.ng, in an exclusive Zoom interview on Nov. 13, 2024, Dr. Ojiakor cited  Odoh's lack of administrative experience, non-professorial status, and allegedly forging of documents from the University of Gusau, which the university denies knowing him.


Dr. Ojiakor added that besides Odoh's inexperience, bias from the Pro Chancellor against Medical school professors, there is also a  violation of University Senate's role in the VC election process, which he said lacked integrity. 


Nonetheless, he maintained that the key allegations  is lack of administrative experience, his bon-professorial status, forged documents, Bias against medical school professors and disregard for University Senate's role in VC election.


 Ojiakor however urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to enforce Odoh's terminated appointment, sack as well as that of the Pro-Chancellor Prof. Greg Mbadiwe for violating the processes for such an election. 


He also urged  the Federal Ministry of Education's to Investigate the forged documents and address the bias against medical school professors in the University. 


The controversy surrounding Odoh's appointment and qualifications raises critical questions about UNIZIK's leadership and governance, he noted


The future of UNIZIK hangs in the balance, necessitating swift action to uphold academic integrity and excellence.


Dailyledger.com.ng reports that ASUU has directed all its members not to attend any meeting convened by  Odoh at the institution.


The Union stated that any meeting convened by Dr. Odoh would amount to legitimizing illegality.


In a statement, the chairman of ASUU, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Kingsley Ubaoji, directed that members of the Union should also refrain from attending meetings convened by Odoh


“We have been informed of a meeting convened today by Dr. Benard Odoh, whose appointment as the Vice Chancellor of our great University is barred by a court order and has been nullified. DO NOT ATTEND THIS MEETING,” it stated.


According to ASUU,  Odoh’s actions are subversive, and the Union strongly advised against participating in any activities he promotes.


ASUU stated that attending any meeting organized by Odoh would legitimize his false claims and undermine the legitimate authority of the institution.


The Union further stated that attending any meeting convened by Odoh would amount to supporting an illegitimate regime and undermine ASUU’s efforts to protect members’ interests and promote academic integrity.


ASUU stated that any person who attended a meeting organized by Odoh would face consequences.


“We expect Dr. Odoh to be civil and decent enough to subordinate himself to legitimate authorities. His appointment stands against a court order and has been declared null and void by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME). He has no authority to the position he claims. He should avoid precipitating a breakdown of law and order in our University.”


“We urge all ASUU members to remain vigilant and informed about any developments related to Dr. Odoh’s activities. If you receive any invitations or information regarding any meeting with him, please disregard them.


We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to upholding the principles of academic integrity and excellence. Together, we will protect the interests of ASUU members and ensure the institution’s integrity,” it added.