UNIZIK rejects FG’s annulment of new VC, says ‘due process was followed’

The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State has rejected the removal of the new Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Benard Ifeanyi Odoh and the registrar, Barr Mrs R.I. Nwokike.

NaijaOnPoint.com.ng (NOP) reports that the Federal Ministry of Education had declared that the recent appointment of Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State was null and void.

The letter, which was addressed to the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council by Mrs. R. G. Ilyasu for the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, and dated November 1 urged the council to shelve all appointments until the new Minister of Education assumes office.

But in a letter dated November 1st, and signed by the University Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Barr Mrs R.I. Nwokike, in response to the letter from the ministry, the school management insisted that due process was followed to make the appointments.

The statement noted that the University Governing Council followed all the laid down procedures on the appointment of the new vice chancellor and registrar.

The statement clarified that, “Contrary to any assumption of a formal engagement, the Pro-Chancellor did not have an official meeting with the Minister of State for Education.

“Instead, informal discussions took place between the outgoing Minister of State and the Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. It is important to clarify that these discussions do not supersede or alter the enforceability of the court’s judgment.”

The statement further said, “The Council, in discharging its duties, adhered strictly to a valid judgment from a competent court, which directed the Council to exercise its statutory authority in appointing the Vice-Chancellor. Please find attached the court judgment for reference.

“In response to concerns regarding the absence of the Ministry’s representative, certain internal Council members, and other stakeholders at the Vice-Chancellor appointment meeting on Tuesday, 29th October were observed,” the statement further said.

It explained that invitations were duly issued to all relevant parties, to ensure that everyone was informed and given the opportunity to attend.

According to the school, “The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Federal Character Commission, external and internal Council members, and various other stakeholders, demonstrating a broad representation of interests.”

Additionally, the school confirmed that the quorum was duly constituted in compliance with the statutory requirements set forth in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004.

“In accordance with Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council,” it said, “the quorum requirement mandates the presence of five members, including at least one of the following: the Vice-Chancellor or his Deputy, one appointee of the Visitor, and one appointee of the Senate.

“For reference and validation, please find attached the Council’s constitutional documents and additional information linking these requirements to the University Act.”

It emphasised that, “Due process was meticulously observed throughout the selection and appointment processes for both the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar.

“The suggestion of ‘reconciling with aggrieved persons’ is not relevant to this procedural integrity.

“Of the eighteen applicants for the position, fifteen attended the interview, and score sheets were duly documented.

“The Council, within the scope of its lawful authority, has fulfilled its mandate with transparency and adherence to the University’s regulations,” the school added in the statement.