Confusion is currently brewing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, following a disagreement between the authorities of the university and the Federal Ministry of Education over the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Recall that the governing council of UNIZIK, led by Greg Mbadiwe, had on Tuesday, appointed Prof Benard Odoh as the university’s VC
Odoh’s appointment follows a series of protests and counter-protests by various stakeholders of the institution, including members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the institution’s medical practitioners.
Following the appointment, a memo purportedly emerged from the ministry on Friday, annulling Odoh’s appointment as VC, insisting that his appointment did not follow the due process.
The memo, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, R.A Ilyasu, described the action as a “gross disregard” to constituted authority and not in line with extant provisions.
The letter also contained the annulment of the recent appointment of a registrar of the institution.
The letter is captioned: “Re: Appointment of substantive Vice-Chancellor and Registrar for Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka”
It read in parts, “Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education (MSE) held on Friday, October 25, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out by your Council without reconciling with the stakeholders in the university community.
“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, October 29, 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 to put on hold all other appointments in the university pending the assumption on duty of the new Honorable Minister of Education. Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and considerations of the Permanent Secretary, Education.”
Although, the authenticity of the letter which is currently going viral on social media, couldn’t be verified, but the authorities of UNIZIK have also replied to the letter, as contained in a letter dated November 1, 2024, and signed by the Registrar and Secretary of Council, R.I. Nwokike; a copy which was made available to journalists on Sunday.
The letter read in part, “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, October 29, 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,” among others.
Ikenna Obianeri @ThePUNCH
