Education Ministry nullifies appointment of UniZik’s new Vice Chancellor

The Federal Ministry of Education has intervened in the internal crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra state by nullifying the recent appointment of Professor Bernard Odoh as Vice Chancellor.

The letter containing the annulment was signed by the Permanent Secretary Mrs Rakiya Ilyasu issued to the Pro-Chancellor and copied to the NUC.

The decision comes after protests erupted over the appointment process of the Council led by Greg Mbadiwe in a circumstance that is not acceptable to some stakeholders such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).

The Ministry cited gross disregard for constituted authority as a key reason for the nullification and directed the Council to halt all other appointments pending the assumption of duty by the new Minister of Education.

“It has come to the attention of the Ministry that your Council had gone ahead to appoint a Vice Chancellor for the University without the Representative of the Ministry, the internal council members and other Stakeholders on Tuesday, 29” October, 2024.

“This is a gross disregard to constituted Authority and is not in line with extant provisions. Against this backdrop; I am directed to inform you that all appointments made are null and void.

“You are therefore requested put on hold all other appointments in the University pending the assumption on duty of the new Honorable Minster of Education. Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and considerations of the Permanent Secretary Education”.

This development comes two days before Odoh’s planned thanksgiving service as Vice Chancellor.

The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor, Emmanuel Ojukwu, had announced a high mass to mark Odoh’s first day in office, officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye.

However in a reply to the letter, the Registrar of the institution and secretary of governing council, Rosemary Nwokike replied to the points raised by the ministry.

She said: “Contrary to any assumption of a formal engagement, the Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education. Instead, informal discussions took place between the outgoing Minister of State and the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

“In response to concerns regarding the absence of the Ministry’s representative, certain internal council members, and other stakeholders at the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on Tuesday, 29th October 2024, we wish to clarify that all necessary protocols were observed. Invitations were duly issued to all relevant parties, ensuring that everyone was informed and given the opportunity to attend.

“The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Federal Character Commission, external and internal Council members, and various other stakeholders, demonstrating a broad representation of interests. For further verification, attached are the attendance register, photographs documenting the proceedings, and copies of the official meeting notice sent to stakeholders. 

“Additionally, we confirm that the quorum was duly constituted in compliance with the statutory requirements set forth in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.

“Due process was meticulously observed throughout the selection and appointment processes for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar. The suggestion of “reconciling with aggrieved persons” is not relevant to this procedural integrity. 

“Of the 18 applicants for the position, 15 attended the interview, and score sheets were duly documented. The Council, within the scope of its lawful authority, has fulfilled its mandate with transparency and adherence to the University’s regulations.

“We appreciate your attention to these clarifications and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of due process and legal compliance.”