Prof. Benard Odoh officially assumed office as the new Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, despite initial protests from members of the university community. Appointed as the university’s 7th substantive Vice Chancellor after a thorough selection process, Odoh was introduced to his new role on Wednesday evening by the outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi. However, Odoh’s appointment sparked protests, with some faculty and staff expressing dissatisfaction through placards, reportedly due to his origin from Ebonyi State, rather than Anambra State where the university is located.

Legal practitioner and university member Jack Iyioku attributed the protests to ethnic biases, suggesting that some were displeased with the decision based on Odoh’s state of origin. He encouraged critics to focus instead on Odoh’s qualifications and vision for the university rather than his regional background. Iyioku emphasized that in a diverse nation like Nigeria, institutions should value merit over political, ethnic, or religious biases. He urged everyone at the university to cooperate with Odoh to ensure progress.

However, subsequent developments have complicated the situation. The Ministry of Education later declared the appointment “null and void,” citing procedural violations. A statement from the Permanent Secretary of Education, Mrs. R.G. Ilyasu, explained that the university’s governing council had disregarded an agreement with the Ministry by making the appointment without full representation from the Ministry and other stakeholders. The Ministry directed that Odoh’s appointment, along with any others made, be suspended until further notice and instructed the university council to cease any additional appointments until the new Minister of Education assumes office.

This intervention by the Ministry highlights ongoing disputes within the university and emphasizes the importance of following due process, especially for leadership roles. The future leadership of Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains uncertain as the Ministry’s directive unfolds.