By Vincent Ujumadu

As President Bola Tinubu announces the dissolution of the governing council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the sacking of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Benard Odoh, a group of concerned members of the institution’s ASUU have tackled the national president of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke on his role in the whole saga.

The lecturers under the auspices of concerned ASUU in UNIZIK, at a press conference, argued that it was pre-mature for the ASUU National President to say that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had met at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State on 8th -9th November, 2024 and discussed the happenings at Nnamdi Azikiwe University over appointments of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar.

In their statement read by Professor Chinedu Onyeizugbe, the concerned UNIZIK ASUU members said: “ASUU President and NEC  members have lost it because such a matter has never been discussed at the NAU branch congress or Owerri Zonal meeting of ASUU and made available to members.

“So, how can ASUU NEC jump-pass a process to make such a decision that is now in the public space? We advise ASUU President to please, desist from ridiculing the image of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

“Is the ASUU President not aware that some ASUU  leaders such as Comrade Kingsley Ubaoji, Comrade Dennis Aribodor and Comrade Ike Harris Odimegwu convened a Senate meeting outside the University excluding over 500 Senators.

“A draft recommendation from the meeting of the 24 senators convened by ASUU NAU leaders was forwarded as senate resolution to the Pro-Chancellor which resulted in the removal of Prof. Joseph Ifeanyi Ikechebelu and the appointment of Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi as the Acting Vice Chancellor.

“It is on record that ASUU NAU  chairperson made a recommendation to the governing council which perfected the removal of comrade Ikechebelu- a bonfide ASUU NAU member.

“When has ASUU been given the responsibility of enforcing extant University laws regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellor? Appointment of VC in any Federal University is the responsibility of the university governing council. Hence, governing council appointed the current Vice Chancellor and the Registrar following due process and the extant laws of the university.

“Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, with over nine years Professorship was appointed as the 7th  substantive VC. To set the records straight, Professor B. I. Odoh was assessed and promoted to the full rank of Professor at Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State in 2015.

“It is important to clearly emphasize at this stage that, the Joint Council and Senate Selection Boards for the  selection and appointments of the substantive VC and Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University were

legally and adequately constituted.

The Senate and other Stakeholders were adequately represented. The press release from ASUU NEC that internal council members were excluded from the appointments of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar is therefore, misleading to the general public.

“Full Council was summoned and actively participated in the selection and appointment of these two Principal Officers in question.

“Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council led by Amb. Greg.Mbadiwe followed due process and extant laws of the university in the appointments of the Vice Chancellor and Registrar.”

According to the ASUU members, the fact remains that there is no issue with the appointments of VC and Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, adding that the University Community comprising of ASUU, SSANU, NAAT, NASU, SUG, including the Alumni, are all happy with the appointments.