Sacked UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor Responds to Presidency: “I Can’t Be Removed by Press Statement”The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Professor Bernard Odoh, has contested the process of his removal, describing it as procedurally flawed. Odoh emphasized that his dismissal lacked due process and asserted that only the university’s governing council could lawfully recommend his removal after a proper investigation.Controversial Dismissal and Alleged IrregularitiesOdoh’s remarks come after the Federal Government terminated his appointment, along with the dissolution of the university’s governing council. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, the dismissal was due to an “illegal” appointment process.The statement claimed that the university’s governing council bypassed established procedures, leading to Odoh’s controversial appointment. It further noted that the decision to intervene stemmed from escalating tensions between the institution’s Senate and governing council.Odoh’s DefenseIn an interview on Arise TV, Professor Odoh clarified that his dismissal could not be enforced through a press release. He stated, “I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but the governing council must recommend my removal after conducting a proper investigation.”Odoh added, “The President could have been misled. The council, which followed due process in appointing me, should be the body to recommend my sack. You can’t fire someone you didn’t appoint through a press statement.”Allegations Surrounding His ProfessorshipAddressing allegations questioning his academic credentials, Odoh dismissed the claims as baseless. He explained that a former registrar of the institution had submitted his records to the Sokoto State High Court for verification. “Attempts were made to erase my records, but they are intact. The Vice-Chancellor who appointed me remains a faculty member here and even provided my reference,” he stated.Legal and Procedural ConcernsOdoh highlighted that his case is already subject to four pending lawsuits. He criticized the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for overstepping legal boundaries. “The Federal Ministry of Education is a defendant in these cases, and the court is yet to deliver its rulings. Jumping the gun undermines the judicial process,” he said.Ethnic Bias ClaimsThe embattled professor also attributed his ordeal to ethnic discrimination. “As an Ebonyi State native, I face prejudice because we are seen as third-class citizens. There’s a coordinated effort to remove me at all costs,” he lamented.Accusations Against the Governing CouncilThe Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously criticized the governing council for its alleged disregard of due process in Odoh’s appointment. The union called for the council’s dissolution, accusing it of perpetuating illegalities.Despite the ongoing controversy, Odoh pledged to ensure the institution’s academic and administrative functions proceed smoothly. “I remain committed to the progress of my alma mater. It pains me to see the university subjected to this crisis,” he concluded.This dispute underscores the importance of adhering to due process in university appointments and the challenges of navigating administrative and political tensions in Nigerian higher education.

Sacked UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor Responds to Presidency: “I Can’t Be Removed by Press Statement”

The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Professor Bernard Odoh, has contested the process of his removal, describing it as procedurally flawed. Odoh emphasized that his dismissal lacked due process and asserted that only the university’s governing council could lawfully recommend his removal after a proper investigation.

Controversial Dismissal and Alleged Irregularities

Odoh’s remarks come after the Federal Government terminated his appointment, along with the dissolution of the university’s governing council. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, the dismissal was due to an “illegal” appointment process.

The statement claimed that the university’s governing council bypassed established procedures, leading to Odoh’s controversial appointment. It further noted that the decision to intervene stemmed from escalating tensions between the institution’s Senate and governing council.

Odoh’s Defense

In an interview on Arise TV, Professor Odoh clarified that his dismissal could not be enforced through a press release. He stated, “I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but the governing council must recommend my removal after conducting a proper investigation.”

Odoh added, “The President could have been misled. The council, which followed due process in appointing me, should be the body to recommend my sack. You can’t fire someone you didn’t appoint through a press statement.”

Allegations Surrounding His Professorship

Addressing allegations questioning his academic credentials, Odoh dismissed the claims as baseless. He explained that a former registrar of the institution had submitted his records to the Sokoto State High Court for verification. “Attempts were made to erase my records, but they are intact. The Vice-Chancellor who appointed me remains a faculty member here and even provided my reference,” he stated.

Legal and Procedural Concerns

Odoh highlighted that his case is already subject to four pending lawsuits. He criticized the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for overstepping legal boundaries. “The Federal Ministry of Education is a defendant in these cases, and the court is yet to deliver its rulings. Jumping the gun undermines the judicial process,” he said.

Ethnic Bias Claims

The embattled professor also attributed his ordeal to ethnic discrimination. “As an Ebonyi State native, I face prejudice because we are seen as third-class citizens. There’s a coordinated effort to remove me at all costs,” he lamented.

Accusations Against the Governing Council

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously criticized the governing council for its alleged disregard of due process in Odoh’s appointment. The union called for the council’s dissolution, accusing it of perpetuating illegalities.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Odoh pledged to ensure the institution’s academic and administrative functions proceed smoothly. “I remain committed to the progress of my alma mater. It pains me to see the university subjected to this crisis,” he concluded.

This dispute underscores the importance of adhering to due process in university appointments and the challenges of navigating administrative and political tensions in Nigerian higher education.

The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Professor Bernard Odoh, has contested the process of his removal, describing it as procedurally flawed. Odoh emphasized that his dismissal lacked due process and asserted that only the university’s governing council could lawfully recommend his removal after a proper investigation.

Odoh’s remarks come after the Federal Government terminated his appointment, along with the dissolution of the university’s governing council. According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, the dismissal was due to an “illegal” appointment process.

The statement claimed that the university’s governing council bypassed established procedures, leading to Odoh’s controversial appointment. It further noted that the decision to intervene stemmed from escalating tensions between the institution’s Senate and governing council.

In an interview on Arise TV, Professor Odoh clarified that his dismissal could not be enforced through a press release. He stated, “I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but the governing council must recommend my removal after conducting a proper investigation.”

Odoh added, “The President could have been misled. The council, which followed due process in appointing me, should be the body to recommend my sack. You can’t fire someone you didn’t appoint through a press statement.”

Addressing allegations questioning his academic credentials, Odoh dismissed the claims as baseless. He explained that a former registrar of the institution had submitted his records to the Sokoto State High Court for verification. “Attempts were made to erase my records, but they are intact. The Vice-Chancellor who appointed me remains a faculty member here and even provided my reference,” he stated.

Odoh highlighted that his case is already subject to four pending lawsuits. He criticized the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for overstepping legal boundaries. “The Federal Ministry of Education is a defendant in these cases, and the court is yet to deliver its rulings. Jumping the gun undermines the judicial process,” he said.

The embattled professor also attributed his ordeal to ethnic discrimination. “As an Ebonyi State native, I face prejudice because we are seen as third-class citizens. There’s a coordinated effort to remove me at all costs,” he lamented.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously criticized the governing council for its alleged disregard of due process in Odoh’s appointment. The union called for the council’s dissolution, accusing it of perpetuating illegalities.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Odoh pledged to ensure the institution’s academic and administrative functions proceed smoothly. “I remain committed to the progress of my alma mater. It pains me to see the university subjected to this crisis,” he concluded.