Nnamdi Azikiwe University ASUU Chapter Directs Members To Boycott Embattled Vice-Chancellor, Bernard Odoh’s Maiden Meeting Over Leadership Crisis
ASUU members are cautioned against participating in any activities led by Odoh until the matter is resolved.
Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) chapter, have been urged to boycott any meetings or invitations called by Vice Chancellor Bernard Odoh until issues surrounding his appointment are resolved.
This directive, signed by Chairperson Kingsley Ubaoji, specifically warns members not to attend today’s (Tuesday) 1 pm meeting convened by Odoh.
The notice noted that Odoh’s appointment as Vice Chancellor has been challenged, with a court order barring him from holding the position and the Ministry of Education nullifying his appointment.
In light of this development, ASUU members are cautioned against participating in any activities led by Odoh until the matter is resolved.
On Sunday, November 3, SaharaReporters reported that the Federal Ministry of Education had declared the recent appointment of Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of the school as null and void.
The Governing Council of the University on October 29 appointed Odoh as the school’s 7th substantive vice-chancellor.
Odoh was appointed by the University’s Governing Council led by the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, following interviews with 15 candidates shortlisted for the position.
In a letter addressed to the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council by Mrs. R. G. Ilyasu for the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, and dated November 1, the ministry said it had been agreed that there would be no appointments without reconciliation with the aggrieved parties of the school.
The letter reads, “Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, (HMSE) held on Friday, 25th October, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out by your Council without reconciling with the aggrieved parties in the University Community.
“It has come to the attention of the Ministry that your Council had gone ahead to appoint a Vice Chancellor for the University without the Representative of the Ministry, the internal council members and other Stakeholders on Tuesday, 29th October, 2024. This is a gross disregard to constituted Authority and is not in line with Extant provisions.”
However, Odoh has insisted on the validity of his appointment. In a statement issued by his Personal Media Assistant, Mr Charles Otu, Odoh said that the Federal Ministry of Education has no legal power to nullify and void his appointment.
Meanwhile, the embattled Vice Chancellor, through his Special Adviser on Information and Public Relations, Dr Emmanuel C. Ojukwu, has called for a maiden meeting with the university community.
A circular for the meeting obtained by SaharaReporters says the meeting is scheduled to start at the University Auditorium at 1:00pm.
It reads, “This is to inform the University community that the Vice Chancellor’s maiden meeting with the University Community will now hold as follows: Venue: University Auditorium. Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Time: 1.00pm.
“Members of the University Management, Deans, Directors, Heads of Department, and other staff are expected at the meeting.”
However, ASUU warned its members “not to attend this meeting,” insisting that Odoh’s actions are subversive, and “we strongly advise against participating in any activities he promotes. By attending this meeting, you will legitimize his false claims and undermine the legitimate authority of our institution.”
The ASUU chairperson further said, “By attending, you will be supporting an illegitimate regime and undermining ASUU’s efforts to protect members’ interests and promote academic integrity. There shall be consequences for this.
“We expect Dr Odoh to be civil and decent enough to subordinate himself to legitimate authorities. His appointment stands against a Court Order and has been declared null and void by the FME. He has no authority to the position he claims. He should avoid precipitating a breakdown of law and order in our University.
“We urge all ASUU members to remain vigilant and informed about any developments related to Dr. Odoh’s activities. If you receive any invitations or information regarding any meeting with him, please disregard.
“We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to upholding the principles of academic integrity and excellence. Together, we will protect the interests of ASUU members and ensure the institution’s integrity.”
