The controversy over the academic qualifications of the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Benard Odoh, has been laid to rest following the official confirmation by the authorities at Federal University Gusau that Odoh was indeed appointed a Professor in Geological Sciences at the university on October 1, 2015.

A certified true copy of the appointment letter, dated November 8, 2024, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of Federal University Gusau, Ibrahim B. Kaura (who served as the pioneer Registrar from 2013-2018), confirmed that “the university management, having received favorable assessment reports from the three assessors, took into consideration and approved that you should be promoted to the post of Professor in Geological Sciences on CONUAS Step 1, with effect from October 1, 2015.”

It would be recalled that the President of ASUU, in a press statement on Sunday, alleged that, based on all indications, Odoh was not a full Professor and called for the revisiting of his appointment as Vice Chancellor.

However, the authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University have countered the ASUU president’s position, noting that some desperate individuals from the university are using the ASUU platform to pursue selfish agendas after losing out in the Vice Chancellor race.

A statement from the Information and Public Relations Directorate of UNIZIK on Tuesday, titled “UNIZIK VC Contest is Over: Desperate Persons Using ASUU Platform for Selfish Agenda,” stated:

“Despite knowing the truth about the academic background of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the appointment procedures followed by the Governing Council, some desperate characters have continued to spread lies, falsehoods, and distortions of facts in order to whip up sentiments and unduly heat up the university environment for selfish gains.”

“Such characters behind these sordid acts should be exposed for who they are—they are people of questionable character. After they failed to secure the Vice Chancellor position, they resorted to baseless blackmail. These are individuals who have been found culpable for one infraction or another in the academic environment. Because the system in place then chose to condone their transgressions or gave them a soft landing, they are now emboldened to ‘fight,’ having prospered in the old order, and are uncomfortable and uncertain about what the new order holds for them.”

“They are the people hiding under the banner of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to pour invectives on the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.”

“The latest press release, signed by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke (whom we hold in high esteem), bears the imprimatur of these desperadoes. Osodeke appended his signature to the press release based on ignorance, due to the content fed to him by these desperadoes who continue to spread falsehood over truth and accuracy.”

“To continue to claim that Prof. Benard Odoh is not a full Professor, as highlighted in the ASUU press statement, is the height of ignorance and misinformation.”

“To set the records straight once again, Benard Ifeanyi Odoh was promoted to the rank of Professor at the Federal University Gusau in 2015 under the tenure of the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Okeke. A certified true copy of the letter conveying his formal promotion to full professor in Geological Sciences, with effect from October 1, 2015, dated November 12, 2015, was duly signed by Ibrahim B. Kaura, the then Registrar and Secretary to the Council (2013-2018).”

“Before his appointment to full professorship at Federal University Gusau, he was appointed a Visiting Professor in 2014 at the same university.”

“Distinguished Professors—P.O. Okeke, formerly of the Department of Geology and Mining, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and Prof. Aigbedion Isaac of the Geophysics Department, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State—were among the team of external assessors who evaluated Odoh for the position of Professorship.”

“The External Assessors evaluated his scholarly contributions, academic qualifications, research works, university administration experience, technical/professional contributions, and community service, and came up with a high recommendation for his professorship, which was duly approved. The Assessors are still alive and have made public the documents in this regard.”

“Contrary to a procured letter circulating on social media, allegedly from Federal University Gusau, following an inquiry by a legal practitioner, which stated that Odoh was never listed in the university’s staff list, we can authoritatively confirm that as of 2015, Odoh was indeed listed as number 45 in the Academic Staff list of Federal University Gusau, with staff number SP.048, under Grade Level 07/01 on first appointment.”

“Regarding the ASUU claims that the appointments of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University did not follow the approved guidelines, the Registrar of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, a legal practitioner of repute, had previously clarified that the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of the university by the Governing Council followed due process and the extant rules governing the process as outlined in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended), LFN 2004, and in accordance with Section 6(a) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Standing Orders of the Governing Council.”

“The University Council, by law, has the exclusive authority to make such appointments, and the Council aligned with the statutory provisions of the law, reflecting the university’s commitment to following established protocols and ensuring that the selection process upheld both the letter and spirit of the law.”

“The selection process was conducted rigorously to ensure that only the most suitable candidate was chosen. There were oral interviews and assessments based on relevant criteria. Upon conclusion of all interviews, the Governing Council reconvened to consider the selection committee’s recommendation.”

“These processes were meticulously followed in the selection of both the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar, with a collective consensus of choice among the Council members.”

“Let it be stated that contrary to the narratives being pushed by some disgruntled individuals in the university, Nnamdi Azikiwe University is already progressing under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Benard Odoh. The university management team, staff, and students are united in supporting the new administration.”

“Since his assumption of office, activities promoting research, learning, and productivity have been in full swing without hindrance. That is the way forward. Those fanning the embers of crisis in the university are encouraged to sheath their swords and join the Vice Chancellor in executing his well-articulated Disruptive Model Development blueprint for the University,” the Information Unit concluded.