ASUU protest over Prof. Bernard Odoh’s emergence as UNIZIK VC

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, staged a protest Tuesday to voice concerns over the process of appointing a new Vice Chancellor, alleging irregularities and external influence in the selection.

The university’s governing council, led by Chairman Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, proceeded with the selection despite the ASUU protest, ultimately appointing Professor Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor.

Following the council meeting, ASUU-UNIZIK branch chairman, Professor Kingsley Oborji, expressed apprehensions, calling for intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure stability and due process in the university’s administration.

The union claims Ambassador Mbadiwe influenced the appointment, favoring candidates without significant prior affiliation with UNIZIK.

Amid the demonstrations, which included placards with messages like “ASUU-NAU Wants Due Process” and “Vice Chancellors Are Not Appointed in a Hotel,” the council selected Prof. Odoh, a prominent geophysicist and university alumnus. According to the Pro-Chancellor, Odoh emerged as the top candidate after an interview process with 15 applicants.

Professor Odoh, with an extensive academic and administrative background, has served as a professor at Federal University Gusau, the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, and the Director of UNIZIK’s Centre for Water Resources Capacity Building.

He also represented Nigeria at an international educational seminar in China and has over 120 published research works. His leadership includes his team’s international achievements in geology, representing African universities in global competitions.

ASUU has called for a reassessment of the appointment process, with fears of potential instability and division if due process is not maintained.

Meanwhile, Prof. Odoh is expected to bring his vast expertise and professional affiliations, including with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, to his new role at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.