The earlier dismissed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Bernard Odoh has challenged the medium through which he was dismissed as the institution VC lamenting that it didn’t go through due process.
Bsgistnews.com obtained a statement signed and issued yesterday, the 20th of November, 2024 by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and titled “President Tinubu sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council, VC, and Registrar”
It pointed out that, “The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.
The government therefore expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”
Also, in a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, made on Wednesday, the 20th of November and titled “Dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka”
The statement pointed out that the decision came after it was found out that the Chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed Bernard Odoh who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position.
Therefore, it led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony.
However, Bernard Odoh reacted to the news of his dismissal as the VC in an interview on Arise TV where he strongly stood his ground that he won’t accept his dismissal through a press release but after the required recommendations of an investigating council.
Bernard Odoh’s Stance;
He further stated thus “You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ.
The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter.
He can’t remove me through a press release.
There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure.”
Furthermore, with respect to his confirmation as a Professor which had also become a controversy, Bernard Odoh said the allegations were untrue, stating that when the fake news regarding his professorship came up, the Registrar as at that time he was confirmed as a Professor, took his records to the Sokoto State High Court for confirmation.
Bernard Odoh also claimed that some persons even went as far as paying somebody to remove his records from the university.
In response to the statement made by the Ministry of Education, Bernard Odoh tagged such statement as a “mischievous letter” and said that the Ministry was desperately making efforts to usurp the ultimate powers of the Courts before whom are several law suits on the matter on ground.
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