The dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU popularly known as UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has alleged that he was removed from his position because he is an indigene of what he referred to as a “third-class” state.
Odoh was sacked by President Bola Tinubu, along with the institution’s governing council by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, on November 20 for allegedly not following due process in the appointment of the new VC.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, November 21, the former VC claimed that the president’s decision to remove him was influenced by his state of origin.
“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people,” Odoh alleged. “People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State.”
He further alleged that those who conspired against him played the ethnic card, accusing the president of fomenting a crisis in UNIZIK by leaving the institution without a VC and a governing council.
Tinubu Cannot Sack Me via Press Release
Odoh, who was also a former governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, argued that since the governing council of the institution appointed him, the president lacks the authority to remove him through a mere press release.
He stated, “I’m not disobeying Mr. President,” but insisted that only the governing council has the power to recommend his dismissal. He maintained that his removal did not follow due process.
Tinubu Should Have Waited for Court Pronouncement
The sacked VC revealed that there is an ongoing court case about his appointment before the Federal High Court in Abuja and an industrial court.
He accused President Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, of acting prematurely, arguing that they should have waited for the courts’ verdict before taking action.
According to Odoh, the Ministry of Education should have instituted a panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations leveled against him by aggrieved parties, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), before making any decision regarding his appointment.
He vowed to resume his duties as the VC to ensure the continuation of academic activities and accreditations, asserting that President Tinubu “must have been ill-advised.” He emphasized that only the governing council has the legal authority to remove him from office.
Crisis Began After His Appointment
Trouble reportedly began in the university after Odoh’s emergence and resumption of duty as the Vice-Chancellor on October 29.
Odoh, a former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, became a professor in 2015.
In most cases, candidates vying for the position of a university VC must have been professors in their fields for a certain period.
However, it remains unclear if the federal government has set a standard requirement, such as being a professor for at least 10 years, for applicants seeking the VC position.
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