The Federal Ministry of Education has written the Pro-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka distancing itself from the appointment of Prof Bernard Odoh as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK.
Prof Odoh was recently appointed a Vice-Chancellor by a faction of the governing Council at a hotel in Awka recently. However, the appointment has been marred by controversy which has seen groups like ASUU and MDCN kick against the appointment as not having followed due process .
In a letter to the Pro- Chancellor of the institution by the Federal Ministry of Education which was signed by Mrs R.G Ilyasu, it stated that all appointment in the University are null and void till the new Minister of Education assumes office.
The letter reads:
“Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for
Education, (HMSE) held on Friday, 25th October, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out by your Council without reconciling with the
aggreved parties in the University Community.
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry that your Council had gone ahead
to appoint a Vice Chancellor for the University without the Representative of the
Ministry, the internal council members and other Stakeholders on Tuesday, 29th
October, 2024.
“This is a gross disregard to constituted Authority and is not in line
with Extant provisions.
“Against this backdrop: I am directed to inform you that all appointments
made so far are null and void.
“You are therefore requested put on hold all other
appointments in the University pending the assumption on duty of the new
Honourable Minister of Education.
“Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and considerations of
the Permanent Secretary Education.