The sacked vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has boldly asserted that he will not vacate the office he recently assumed on October 29, 2024, despite being dismissed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Odoh remains steadfast in his belief that his position is legitimate, and he argues that stepping down would only contribute to further disorder and anarchy within the university institution, which he claims would be detrimental to its operations. He emphasized his belief that the process surrounding his dismissal was flawed and has made it clear that he will not be vacating the office until a proper legal verdict is delivered on the matter.
Professor Bernard Odoh was officially removed from his position as vice-chancellor by President Tinubu on November 20, 2024, following several serious allegations that had been raised concerning irregularities surrounding his appointment. Additionally, there were ongoing controversies regarding his academic qualifications, which played a significant role in the president's decision to relieve him of his duties.
The announcement of Professor Odoh's dismissal, along with the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council, was made by Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Following this, Boriowo Folashade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, confirmed the news, citing procedural violations in the appointment process that led to the termination of Odoh's tenure.
However, in a bold response through his spokesperson, Charles Otu, Odoh has firmly rejected the notion that President Tinubu himself authorized his dismissal. Instead, he claimed that the decision originated from the Ministry of Education, which he argued lacked the proper authority to remove him from office. Odoh reiterated that he would not step down voluntarily, insisting that the matter should be settled through a court ruling. His response further emphasized his belief that the process leading to his removal had not followed due process, and he has vowed to legally challenge the decision in order to seek justice.
Speaking on Arise News Television on Thursday morning, Professor Bernard Odoh said that the procedures for him to be sacked have not been followed saying that only the governing council can remove him from office. He strongly maintained that his dismissal was not conducted in the proper legal manner and that, in his view, only the Governing Council of the university had the legitimate authority to remove him from his position. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of communication and formal proceedings that typically precede such decisions.
Odoh also raised concerns about the external bodies that were scheduled to visit Nnamdi Azikiwe University on Thursday, warning that the move to remove him would lead to confusion and anarchy, especially with the visitors coming to the institution. He emphasized that no formal communication had been sent to the council or to him regarding the situation, adding that there had been no written inquiry or investigation into his appointment or actions. Odoh’s frustration with the lack of formal processes was evident as he said: “The visitor set up this council. The council has not been invited by anybody. There’s no written communication either from anybody from the NUC or from the Ministry, asking the council to explain what has happened in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I haven’t been communicated. There has been no information anywhere. There has been no panel of enquiry. No panel of investigation.”
He further continued: “All I heard yesterday was to see the information on the media space saying that I have been removed. I was not appointed through a press release. I was appointed by a constituted authority and I have your letter. So, I don’t understand. So, after this interview, I’m heading to the office. I haven’t committed any crime. I was appointed by a procedure, and the procedure is straightforward.” His defiance and commitment to fighting for his position underline his belief in the legitimacy of his appointment and his determination to challenge the dismissal in the appropriate legal forum. Odoh has made it clear that he intends to follow the legal path, standing firm in his assertion that his removal was not carried out properly and is not in accordance with the law.
