Bernard Odoh, the recently removed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has spoken out against his dismissal by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Professor Odoh was appointed as UNIZIK’s seventh substantive vice-chancellor on October 29. However, controversies surrounding his appointment process and academic credentials soon arose, sparking backlash from academic bodies and the federal government.

On Wednesday, it was reported that President Bola Tinubu had dismissed Mr. Odoh and dissolved the university’s Governing Council, citing the appointment of an "unqualified vice-chancellor" without due process. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and Boriowo Folasade, a director in the Ministry of Education, confirmed the developments in separate statements.

In response, Mr. Odoh, through his spokesperson Charles Otu, questioned the legitimacy of his dismissal. He argued that the Ministry of Education lacked the authority to remove him, claiming the directive did not originate from President Tinubu or the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The purported letter was endorsed by a Public Relations Director, not a Permanent Secretary or Minister, raising serious doubts about its authenticity,” he stated.

Mr. Odoh accused the ministry of overstepping its powers, asserting that only the president could remove him or dissolve the Governing Council. He also criticized the ministry for failing to summon the council for questioning before accusing it of procedural breaches.

Additionally, Mr. Odoh pointed out that lawsuits challenging his appointment are still pending in the National Industrial Court in Awka, emphasizing that his removal was announced before a judgment was delivered.

The embattled vice chancellor maintained that his appointment adhered to due process and accused the ministry of unjustly targeting him and the council.

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