THE Office of the Registrar at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has affirmed the validity of its recent appointments of a substantive vice-chancellor Bernard Odoh, and Registrar Rosemary Nwokike, dismissing claims of annulment by the Federal Government.
In a circular dated November 1, 2024, the registrar, Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike, clarified that there was no formal engagement between the university’s pro-chancellor and the minister of State for Education, countering any assumptions to the contrary.
The circular, addressed to the Federal Ministry of Education, emphasised that informal discussions had taken place, which did not alter or supersede the enforceability of a court judgment mandating the university’s Council to exercise its statutory authority in appointing the Vice-Chancellor.
This latest reaction follows controversies surrounding the appointment of Odoh as the vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
Odoh’s appointment has sparked a series of protests and counter-protests among various stakeholders, including members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the institution’s medical practitioners.
Background
Odoh was appointed on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, by the University’s Governing Council led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Greg Mbadiwe, during an interview with the candidates shortlisted for the position of vice-chancellor.
Challenging the council’s move, the Incorporated Trustees of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of NAUTH, Nnewi, along with Victor Modekwe, filed a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), according to reports.
The Associations were seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent the 1st and 4th Defendants/Respondents, along with their agents, assigns, servants, representatives, or anyone acting on their behalf, from proceeding with the vice-chancellor appointment process based on the publication from September 12, 2024, until the court hears and determines the case.
The lawsuit, marked as No. NICN/ABJ/383/2024, includes Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the National Universities Commission, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University as the 1st to 4th Defendants/Respondents.
Also named in the suit are Carol Arinze Umobi, acting vice-chancellor, and Victor Modebelu, acting registrar of the University, listed as the 5th and 6th Defendants/Respondents, respectively.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the institution also, on October 29 filed a lawsuit challenging the appointments of Odoh and Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as vice-chancellor and registrar, respectively.
The claimants are seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the two from representing themselves as or carrying out the duties of the vice-chancellor and registrar of the university, among others.
Despite the widespread protests regarding the alleged flawed process, the Governing Council convened and appointed Odoh, a former Secretary to the Government of Ebonyi State, as the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
FG voids appointment
Meanwhile, a memo from the Federal Ministry of Education has declared the appointment of Odoh as the vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, to be null and void.
In a letter dated November 1 and addressed to the pro-chancellor/chairman of the Council, on behalf of the permanent secretary of the ministry, it was stated that no appointments would be made without reconciling with the aggrieved parties within the institution.
The letter, which also contained the annulment of the recent appointment of the university registrar, described the process as a “gross disregard for constituted authority.”
The letter reads, “Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, (HMSE) held on Friday, 25th October, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out by your Council without reconciling with the aggrieved parties 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, 29th 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 so far 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 Honourable Minister of Education,” it added.
UNIZIK registrar, office of VC insist on appointment
However, the embattled registrar Nwokike, who was supposedly removed by the education ministry, insisted that the process that brought the new vice chancellor was valid and duly followed.
She further detailed the appointment proceedings held on October 29, 2024, noting that all necessary protocols were observed despite the absence of a Ministry representative and other stakeholders.
According to the registrar, invitations were duly issued to ensure that all relevant parties were informed and had the opportunity to attend, noting that the meeting was attended by representatives from the Federal Character Commission and various Council members, which demonstrated broad representation.
“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,” the circular added.
She reiterated that the quorum was constituted in compliance with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, ensuring procedural integrity throughout the appointment process.
This was also the position of the Office of the Vice Chancellor, which called on the public to disregard the letter allegedly issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, claiming it had annulled the appointment of Odoh as the institution’s VC.
In a statement released to journalists on Monday, November 4, Charles Otu, the personal assistant on Media and Publicity to the embattled VC, emphasized that Odoh’s appointment followed due process meticulously.
Otu highlighted that the university council operates as an “autonomous governing body.”
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M