The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Visitor to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Anambra State, to urgently address what it described as a “mockery of the university system” following the controversial appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and Registrar at the institution.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 17, 2024, by its President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU expressed grave concern over what it termed “illegalities and procedural violations” in the appointment of Dr. Benard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as Registrar by the university’s Governing Council, led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC), after a meeting held on November 8–9 at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, described the process that led to the appointments as riddled with “abuses and breaches of extant laws.”
The union noted that Dr. Odoh’s eligibility was questionable, as evidence suggests he is not a full professor—a key requirement for the Vice-Chancellor position.
The NEC also highlighted the exclusion of internal council members and the university senate from the nomination process, in direct contravention of established laws.
“The actions of the Amb. Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council amount to recklessness, lawlessness, and impunity,” the statement read.
Despite repeated appeals from stakeholders, including ASUU’s NAU chapter, the university senate, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Medical and Dental Council, the Governing Council reportedly proceeded with the appointments.
ASUU argued that this defiance has plunged the university into a crisis, undermining the integrity of the institution’s governance.
The union warned that the continued stay of Dr. Odoh and Mrs. Nwokike in office could lead to anarchy at NAU.
“The appointment of these individuals constitutes a deliberate act of provocation,” ASUU stated, adding that the actions of the Governing Council are an affront to the university’s traditions and laws.
ASUU resolved to resist what it described as “acts of impunity, lawlessness, intimidation, and witch-hunting” at the university.
The union called on President Tinubu to dissolve the Amb. Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council and initiate processes to restore law and order.
“For the avoidance of doubt, ASUU, like many other stakeholders at NAU, does not have confidence in the Amb. Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council,” Prof. Osodeke declared.
This imbroglio at NAU represents a litmus test for the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in Nigeria’s university system.
ASUU emphasized that decisive intervention is needed to safeguard academic integrity and prevent further erosion of public trust in university governance.
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