The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka, has faulted the recent letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, claiming the dissolution of its Governing Council and removal of Professor Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor.
The letter, signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, cited alleged breaches of university regulations and disregard for directives as reasons for the decision.
According to the Ministry, the Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, an action it claimed is stoking tension and a breakdown of order within the institution.
But, in a swift reaction, Unizik management dismissed the Ministry’s letter which it said is intended to set fire on the institution.
The Personal Assistant to UniZik’s Vice-Chancellor on Information and Public Relations, Charles Otu, in the statement, contended that the Ministry lacked the authority to neither dissolve the Governing Council nor remove the Vice-Chancellor, citing provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, LFN 2004, which reserves such powers for the President as the Visitor to the university.
Otu said the dissolution of the council was a “mischievous” attempt to destabilize the university, and argued that the Ministry’s actions by-passed the proper channels, as the Governing Council members and the Vice-Chancellor had not been formally questioned or notified.
He maintained that the appointment of Professor Odoh followed due process and had been widely accepted by stakeholders, even as he accused the Ministry of acting in contempt of court, as multiple lawsuits concerning the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment are currently before the National Industrial Court.
Otu emphasised that the matter is sub- judice, rendering the Ministry’s actions premature and inappropriate.
Contrary to the Ministry’s claims of a “breakdown of law and order,” the university stated that its campuses remain calm and that Professor Odoh has been discharging his duties without rancour.
He questioned the authenticity of the letter, noting that it was signed by a Public Relations Director rather than the Permanent Secretary or Minister of Education.
Otu criticized the absence of formal communication with the Governing Council’s chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
He urged the public and its community to remain calm, insisting that the courts should determine the legality of the actions of the Ministry.
“Let peace continue to reign supreme in our revered citadel of learning,” he said.
He reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and called for an expedited resolution of the matter through judicial processes.
