The administration of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka has opposed the decision to revoke the appointments of R.I. Nwokike, the university’s registrar, and Prof. Benard Odoh, the new vice chancellor.
Amb Greg Mbadiwe, the chairman of the university’s governing council, was notified in writing by the federal ministry of education on Friday that the council’s recent appointments were canceled because they did not adhere to established protocols.
Mrs. R. Ilyasu, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, signed the letter, which urged the council to put all appointments on hold until the new Minister of Education takes office.
However, Nwokike, the Registrar of the Institution and Secretary of the Governing Council, addressed the ministry’s concerns in a response to the letter.
“The Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education, despite any assumption of a formal engagement,” she stated. Rather, the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the departing Minister of State held informal talks.
Regarding the absence of the Ministry’s representative, several internal council members, and other interested parties from the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, we would want to make it clear that all required procedures were followed. To make sure that everyone was aware and had the chance to attend, invitations were properly sent to all pertinent parties.
Members of the internal and external Councils, representatives of the Federal Character Commission, and other stakeholders participated in the meeting, indicating a wide range of interests. Copies of the formal meeting notice distributed to stakeholders, the attendance register, and photos capturing the proceedings are all attached for additional verification.
Furthermore, we attest that the quorum was properly established in accordance with the legal specifications specified in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.
“Due process was strictly followed during the Vice-Chancellor’s and Registrar’s selection and appointment procedures. Regarding this procedural integrity, the recommendation to “reconcile with aggrieved persons” is irrelevant.
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Fifteen of the eighteen candidates for the job showed up for the interview, and score sheets were properly recorded. Within the bounds of its legal authority, the Council has carried out its duty in a transparent manner while abiding by the rules set forth by the University.
“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of due process and legal compliance and appreciate your attention to these clarifications.”
The university community has responded to Odoh’s appointment by the governing council on Tuesday of last week with a range of emotions, including outrage and celebration.
The new vice chancellor’s qualifications were also contested by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which denied that he was qualified and refuted the assertions that he had become a professor.
