Prof. Bernard Odoh, the dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which he was removed from office, asserting that the process lacked due procedure. His comments followed his dismissal and the dissolution of the university’s governing council, which was accused of his “illegal” appointment.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government indicated that it intervened to address the growing tensions at the university. The statement highlighted concerns about the governing council’s failure to adhere to the institution’s laws during the selection process for the vice-chancellor position.

However, Odoh, speaking in an interview with Arise TV, rejected his removal via a press release and insisted that only a properly constituted investigative council could recommend his dismissal. He questioned the legitimacy of his removal, pointing out that the governing council had followed the correct procedure in appointing him. Odoh emphasized that the president should not have acted on the matter without proper investigation, suggesting that he may have been misadvised.

Addressing allegations regarding his qualifications as a professor, Odoh refuted the claims, stating that when questions arose, his records were verified in court. He also criticized the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for acting prematurely, given that there were still unresolved lawsuits related to his appointment. Odoh further expressed frustration over what he perceived as ethnic bias against his background from Ebonyi State, claiming that his removal was part of a larger effort to discredit him. He vowed to continue supporting the university’s accreditation and activities, despite the challenges.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had previously accused the university’s governing council of failing to follow due process in Odoh’s appointment, calling for the dissolution of the council.