The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has rejected a recent letter from the Federal Ministry of Education, claiming the dissolution of its Governing Council and the removal of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernard Odoh.
The letter, signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, had cited alleged breaches of university regulations and disregard for directives as reasons for the decision.
The Ministry alleged that the Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, leading to tension and a breakdown of order within the institution.
However, in a detailed response issued on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Charles Otu, the Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice-Chancellor, described the Ministry’s actions as a “mischievous” attempt to destabilize the university.
The statement questioned the Ministry’s authority to dissolve the Governing Council and remove the Vice-Chancellor, citing provisions of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, LFN 2004, which reserves such powers for the President as the Visitor to the university.
UNIZIK maintained that the Ministry’s actions bypassed the proper channels, as the Governing Council members and the Vice-Chancellor had not been formally questioned or notified.
The university insisted that the appointment of Prof Odoh followed due process and had been widely accepted by stakeholders.
UNIZIK emphasised that the matter is sub judice, rendering the Ministry’s actions premature and inappropriate.

Contrary to the Ministry’s claims of a “breakdown of law and order,” the university added that its campuses remain calm and that Prof. Odoh has been effectively discharging his duties without rancour.
The statement questioned the authenticity of the letter, noting that it was signed by a Public Relations Director rather than the Permanent Secretary or Minister of Education.
It further criticized the absence of formal communication with the Governing Council’s chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
The institution urged the public and its community to remain calm, insisting that the courts should determine the legality of the actions taken by the Ministry.
“Let peace continue to reign supreme in our revered citadel of learning,” the statement charged.
The university reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and called for an expedited resolution of the matter through judicial processes.