Why FG sacked UNIZIK former VC Prof. Odoh

President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Vice Chancellor (VC) and Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Council.

This was disclosed in a press release by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on November 20, 2024.

Mr. Onanuga further revealed that the dismissal followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

The statement partly reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, the new Vice Chancellor, and Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, the registrar.

“The council, led by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, included five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, and Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions 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 governing laws in its selection process”, it added.

Mr. Onanuga further revealed that the president also dismissed the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo.

“In the same vein, President Tinubu also approved the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State.

“The decision followed Salami’s illegal actions, including suspending the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures”, the statement added.

He stated that the government had to intervene after the federal ministry of education had called for the unlawful suspension to be revoked.

But without comply.

“Despite the Federal Ministry of Education’s call for the unlawful suspension to be revoked, Engr. Salami refused to comply.

“Instead, he resorted to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.

“The Federal Government reiterated that the primary responsibility of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of university activities in accordance with the act establishing each university.

“President Tinubu warned the councils not to create distractions in their universities as his government is focused on improving the country’s education standards”, it concluded.

Who is the VC of Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh is a distinguished Nigerian academic and statistician who has made profound contributions to the field of statistics and national development.

As a renowned expert in statistics, his research focus spans economic statistics, data analysis, and statistical modeling.

Prof. Odoh’s academic excellence is evident in his numerous publications in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences.

Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Odoh has held various leadership positions, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills and expertise.

Notably, he served as the Statistician-General of the Federation/Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Nigeria.

Additionally, he has held the position of President of the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA) and is a respected member of the International Statistical Institute (ISI).

Prof. Odoh’s dedication to statistics and national development has earned him several awards and honors.

His contributions to the field have been recognized both nationally and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a leading statistician and academic.

Through his work, the formal UNIZIK VC continues to inspire future generations of statisticians and academics, leaving a lasting impact on the field of statistics and national development.

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