The controversy surrounding the academic qualifications of Prof. Benard Odoh, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has been laid to rest following official confirmation from the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State.
The university has affirmed that Odoh was indeed appointed as a full Professor of Geological Sciences on October 1, 2015.
A certified true copy of the appointment letter, dated November 12, 2015, and signed by Ibrahim B. Kaura, the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of Federal University Gusau, states that Odoh’s promotion to the rank of Professor was approved after receiving favorable assessments from three external evaluators. According to the letter, his promotion took effect from October 1, 2015.
This confirmation follows a statement from the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which questioned Odoh’s professorship status and called for a review of his appointment as Vice Chancellor. In response, Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s information directorate issued a statement on Tuesday, clarifying that Odoh was indeed promoted to full Professor in 2015, under the leadership of then Vice Chancellor Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Okeke.
The university’s statement emphasized that Odoh’s promotion was based on a thorough evaluation process, including assessments of his scholarly contributions, academic qualifications, research, administrative experience, and professional services. The external assessors who evaluated Odoh for the position of Professor included distinguished academics such as Prof. P.O. Okeke, a former professor at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and Prof. Aigbedion Isaac from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
The directorate also refuted claims circulating on social media, which suggested that Odoh was never listed as a staff member of Federal University Gusau. The university confirmed that Odoh was indeed included in the academic staff list as of 2015, with his staff number and position clearly recorded.
Addressing claims made by ASUU that the appointments of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar of UNIZIK did not follow the proper guidelines, the information directorate clarified that both appointments followed the due process. According to the directorate, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council, which is vested with the exclusive authority to make such appointments, adhered to the relevant statutory provisions as outlined in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, Cap 139 (as amended).
The university affirmed that the selection process for both the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar was rigorous and conducted according to established procedures. Oral interviews and evaluations were carried out to assess the candidates on relevant criteria, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals were chosen for these prestigious roles.
In conclusion, the directorate emphasized that Nnamdi Azikiwe University is progressing under Prof. Odoh’s leadership, with activities promoting research, learning, and productivity already in full swing. It called for unity among the staff and students, urging those spreading discord to join efforts with the Vice Chancellor in executing his vision for the university’s development.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.