By Ovat Abeng
The controversy over the academic qualifications of the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Benard Odoh has been laid to rest following the official confirmation by the authorities at Federal University Gusau that Odoh was actually appointed a Professor in Geological Sciences of the university on Ist October, 2015.
A certified true copy of the appointment letter dated 8/11/2024, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council of Federal University , Gusau, Ibrahim B. Kaura (who was the pioneer Registrar of the University from 2013-2018) on 12th November, 2015, stated that “the university management having received a favourable assessment reports from the three the assessors has taken into consideration and approved that you should be promoted to the post of Professor in Geological Sciences on CONUAS Step 1 with effect from Ist October, 2015.”
It would be recalled that the President of ASUU in a press statement on Sunday alleged that from all indications that Odoh was not a full Professor and called for the revisiting of his appointment as Vice Chancellor.
Read Also: Investment in the Cocoa Value Chain, the Surefoot for economic emancipation – Boki council boss
But the authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University has also countered ASUU president’s position noting that some desperate persons from Nnamdi Azikiwe University are using ASUU platform to pursue selfish agenda after loosing out in the VCship contest.
A statement from the Information and Public Relations Directorate of UNIZIK titled “UNIZIK VC contest is over: Desperate persons using ASUU platform for selfish agenda,” stated thus:
“Despite knowing the truth about the academic background of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, the 7th substantive Vice –Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the appointment procedures followed by the Governing Council, some desperate characters have continued to spread lies, falsehood and distortion of facts in order to not only whip up sentiments, but to unduly heat up the university environment for selfish gains.”
“Such characters behind this sordid acts should therefore be exposed for whom they are- they are people of questionable character. After they failed to secure the Vice Chancellor position, they resorted to baseless blackmail. They are those who have been found culpable for one infraction or the other in the academic environment. Because the system in place then, chose to condone their transgression or gave them soft landing then, they are today emboldened to ‘fight’ having prospered in the old order and are very much uncomfortable and uncertain over what the new order holds for them.”
“They are the people hiding under the banner of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to pour invectives on the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.”
“The latest press release signed by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke (whom we hold in high esteem), bears the imprimatur of these desperadoes. Osodeke appended his signature to the press release based on ignorance, out of the content fed him by the desperadoes who still chose to spread falsehood over truth and accuracy.”
“To continue to ascribe the erroneous notion that Prof Benard Odoh is not a full Professor as the ASUU press statement highlighted is the height of ignorance and misinformation”
“To set the records straight for the umpteenth time, Benard Ifeanyi Odoh was promoted to the rank of a Professor at the Federal University Gusau in 2015 under the tenure of the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Okeke. A certified true copy of the letter conveying his formal promotion to full professor in Geological Sciences with effect from 1st October 2024, dated 12th November, 2015 was duly signed by Ibrahim B. Kaura, then Registrar and Secretary to Council (2013-2018).”
“Before his appointment to full professorship at Federal University Gusau, he was appointed a Visiting Professor in 2014 in the same university.”
“Distinguished Professors- P.O . Okeke, formerly of the Department of Geology and Mining, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) also a Consultant on National Assignment with the Federal Ministry of Power and Prof Aigbedion Isaac of Geophysics Department, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State were among the team of external assessors who evaluated Odoh for the position of Professorship.”
“The External Assessors evaluated his scholarly inputs, academic qualification, research works, university administration experience, technical / professional contributions. Community service and came up with a high recommendation for his professorship which was duly approved. The Assessors are still alive today and kicking in good health and have made public, documents in this regard.”
“Contrary also to a procured letter circulating on the social media space that purportedly emanated from Federal University Gusau following an enquiry by a legal practitioner which stated that Odoh was never in Federal University Gusau staff list, we can authoritatively confirm that as at 2015, Odoh was conspicuously listed as number 45 in the Academic Staff list of Federal University Gusau obtained from the office of the Registrar (Establishments Division) with staff number SP.O48 under Grade level 07/01 on first appointment.”
“On the ASUU claims that the appointments of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University did not follow the approved guidelines, the Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, a legal practitioner of repute had before now clarified that the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of the university by the Governing Council followed due process and extant rules governing the process as outlined in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004 and in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council.“
“The University Council, by law, has the exclusive authority to make appointments of this nature while the Council aligned with the statutory provisions of the law in this regard thereby reflecting the university’s dedication to following established protocols and ensuring that the selection process upholds both the letter and spirit of the law.”
“The selection process was conducted in a rigorous manner to ensure that only the most suitable candidate was chosen. There were oral interviews and assessment of the candidates on relevant criteria relevant to the role and on the conclusion of all interviews, the Governing Council reconvened to consider the selection committee’s recommendation.”
“These processes were meticulously applied in the selection of both the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar while there was a collective consensus of choice among the Council Members.”
“Let it be stated that contrary to these narratives being pushed by some disgruntled few in the university, Nnamdi Azikiwe University is moving forward already under the watch of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benard Odoh. The university management team, staff and students are united in support of the new administration.”
“Since his assumption of office, activities promoting research, learning and productivity have been in full swing without hitches. That is the way to go. Those fanning the embers of crisis in the university are still enjoined to sheath their sword and join the Vice Chancellor in executing his well-articulated Disruptive Model Development blueprint for the University,” the information unit stated.