Dismissed UNIZIK VC, Bernard Odoh, Challenges Sack Over Alleged Breach of Due Process

 The dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Bernard Odoh, expressed dissatisfaction on Thursday over the manner of his removal, claiming it did not adhere to due process.

Odoh's concerns follow his removal and the dissolution of the university’s governing council, which he described as based on a supposed "illegal" appointment.

A statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, indicated that the Federal Government had to intervene to ease mounting tensions.

The statement said, "The dissolution of the governing council and other officials was in response to reports that the council had unlawfully appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor, bypassing proper procedures. Following the contentious appointment, the Federal Government intervened to address the conflict between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 33-year-old institution. The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s established regulations during the selection process."

In an interview with Arise TV, Odoh insisted he would not accept his removal through a press release but only after a formal recommendation from an investigative council. He stated, “I am not defying Mr. President, but the proper procedure is for the governing council to conduct an investigation and recommend my removal,” adding that “Mr. President might have been misled.”

“You cannot dismiss someone you did not appoint. The Visitor (President Tinubu) appointed the council, and they followed due process in issuing me a formal appointment. A press release cannot remove me. There was no inquiry panel; I was appointed by an authorized body that followed the correct procedures,” he explained.

Regarding doubts over his professorship, Odoh dismissed the allegations, describing them as "lies and fake news." He said that when the issue was raised, the then-Registrar who confirmed his professorship presented his records to the Sokoto State High Court for verification.

“Someone paid to have my records removed from the university. The vice-chancellor who appointed me is still at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and he provided my reference,” he added.

Odoh also criticized the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for allegedly acting prematurely concerning his dismissal, noting that he has four pending court cases.

“These cases are still ongoing, yet the minister took action despite the Federal Ministry of Education being a defendant in the lawsuits. The court hasn’t ruled on the matter, so there’s no justification for this uproar,” he said.

Odoh suggested that his removal was linked to being from what he called a "third-class" state, vowing to return to the university to oversee proper accreditation and activities.

“I am from Ebonyi State, which is seen as a third-class state. Some believe I am not fit for the position because of my origin. There’s been a concerted effort to remove me at any cost,” he said. “I will return to the university to ensure proper accreditation and other activities continue. The Ministry of Education is creating unnecessary problems on campus. I am a graduate of this institution, and it pains me to see it in turmoil.”

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had earlier criticized the Governing Council for allegedly bypassing due process in appointing Odoh and urged the ministry to dissolve the council over allegations of illegality.