The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has officially appointed Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the institution’s seventh substantive vice-chancellor.
Prof. Odoh, a distinguished professor of geophysics and an alumnus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, emerged victorious from a pool of 18 candidates following a rigorous screening and interview process.
The Pro-Chancellor, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, lauded Prof. Odoh’s extensive experience in university teaching, research, and administration, emphasising his dedication to academic excellence and institutional development.
In a recent announcement made during the presentation of certificates at the university’s council chambers, Pro-Chancellor Greg Mbadiwe commended Prof. Odoh for his extensive experience in university teaching, research, and administration, which made him the top candidate for the esteemed position.
Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Prof. Odoh, who is a proud alumnus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University where he earned his undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, emphasized his commitment to inclusive leadership and highlighted his intention to focus on performance rather than politics.
With a wealth of experience in academia, Prof. Odoh has contributed significantly to the field of geophysics, with over 120 research publications to his name in reputable international journals, e-books, and monographs. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership roles, both within the university and in external organisations, showcasing his dedication to academic excellence and institutional development.
Born on August 5, 1975, Prof. Odoh’s appointment highlights a new chapter in Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s history, as the institution looks forward to a period of growth and innovation under his leadership.
Protest
Earlier, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, staged a peaceful protest to stop the selection of the new Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The protest reportedly stemmed from the ongoing crisis at the university concerning the selection of a new vice chancellor.
Voice of Nigeria gathered that while the protest was ongoing, the selection was equally taking place by the university’s governing council led by its Chairman, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, at the council chambers of the university on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the protest, the ASUU-UNIZIK branch Chairman, Prof Kinsley Oborji, called on the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently intervene to save the University named after one of the founding fathers of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, from total collapse.
Professor Oborji alleged that the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Ambassador Mbadiwe, unfairly imposed a vice chancellor who is not an alumnus of Unizik.
The demonstration was marked by protesters holding placards with slogans such as “Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, respect our university”, “ASUU-NAU demands due process”, “ASUU-NAU rejects imposed VC”, “Tinubu, restrain Greg”, and “ASUU-NAU opposes VC selection,” among others.
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