Sacked UNIZIK VC, Prof. Odoh, drags Nigeria’s Education Minister to court

Prof. Bernard Odoh, the recently sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, has taken legal action against the Nigerian Minister of Education, Morufu Alausa, challenging the legality of his removal.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to halt any further steps to reconstitute the university’s Governing Council or appoint a new Vice-Chancellor pending the resolution of the case.

Prof. Odoh, a former Secretary to the State Government in Ebonyi State, was appointed as Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK in 2023.

However, his tenure was abruptly cut short when President Bola Tinubu dissolved the university’s Governing Council on November 20, 2024.

Alongside Odoh, the university’s Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, was also removed from office.

The dissolution of the Governing Council and the subsequent removal of Odoh sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the legality and motives behind the decision.

Odoh, in his legal challenge, argues that his removal was unlawful and seeks to restore his position while preventing the Education Ministry from taking further actions that could undermine the university’s governance.

In the suit marked *FHC/ABJ/CS/82/2025*, filed on January 20, 2025, Odoh is seeking several interim injunctions to maintain the status quo until the court delivers a final judgment.

The defendants in the case include the Minister of Education, the Federal Ministry of Education, and Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu, who was appointed as the acting Vice-Chancellor following Odoh’s removal.

Odoh’s legal team, led by Prof. Chimezie Kingsley Okorie, SAN, and Eudorah Nkeiruka Ezeonye, Esq., filed an ex-parte application alongside a Motion on Notice.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that The application seeks to restrain the Minister of Education and the Federal Ministry of Education from taking any further steps to reconstitute the Governing Council of UNIZIK until the case is resolved.

It also aims to prevent Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu from acting or parading himself as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK pending the determination of the case.

Additionally, Odoh is asking the court to ensure that no further actions are taken regarding the appointment or removal of the Vice-Chancellor or the Governing Council until the matter is fully adjudicated.

Odoh’s legal team outlined key grounds for the application, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.

They argued that once a matter is before a court, parties are required to refrain from taking any actions that could prejudice the case or undermine the court’s authority.

They also pointed out that the Minister of Education and the Federal Ministry of Education have a history of disregarding court processes.

Furthermore, they highlighted the urgent need to prevent the defendants from taking actions that could irreparably damage the subject matter of the case.

Maintaining sanity and preventing self-help is crucial to ensuring justice, and the Federal High Court’s rules grant the plaintiff the right to seek interim injunctions in such circumstances.

As of now, the court has not fixed a date for the hearing of the application.

However, the case has already garnered significant attention, with stakeholders in the education sector and civil society groups closely monitoring developments.

Meanwhile, the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu, has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit.

The Education Ministry has also remained silent, likely awaiting the court’s decision before taking any further action.

About UNIZIK

UNIZIK is a federal university located in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

It was established in 1991 and is named after the first President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

UNIZIK offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including arts, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, law, and medicine.

The university is known for its academic excellence, research, and community service.

UNIZIK has several campuses, including the main campus in Awka, and other campuses in Nnewi, Agulu, and Ifite-Ogwari.

It is considered one of the top universities in Nigeria.

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