Federal University Gusau Debunks Staffer Claim by Dr. Ifeanyi Bernard Odoh Amid Unizik Vice Chancellor-Ship Saga

....As the bone of contention as regards the inauguration of Dr. Bernard remains sketchy; due process boycotted.

By Onome Naomi

It should be noted that the Federal University GUSAU in response to the academic disclosure quest by UNIZIK administration debunk claims that the now contending Ag VC of UNIZIK Dr Ifeanyi Bernard Odoh was a staff of its Federal University as seen in the communique above.

The intense attempts to install Dr. Ifeanyi Bernard Odoh to serve as vice chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, as well as the issue surrounding the appointment of a temporary vice chancellor, have hit a rough patch.

Meanwhile, some lecturers are allegedly discriminated, sidelined while some intimidated, coerced and bribed. It is alleged that Dr.Odoh has been claiming to be a professor in order to occupy the hallowed position but is alleged to be a mere reader and an associate professor. About three professional groups like Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), have put up litigation challenging the delisting their members from contesting for the vice chancellor-ship.

A careful analysis carried out by a member of the University Community on the cause of disparities in Nnamdi Azikwe University (UNIZIK), shows that the situation has taken a new dimension with the aim of stifling the once conducive environment good for academic pursuit.

Further pointers by the member of UNIZIK university states that:

The problem with the Ag VC appointment is that appropriate process was not followed, which undoubtedly gave the university a peculiar method of carrying out the right and simple task of electing and selecting a vice chancellor.

First, the Senate members would be asked to remain composed by the acting successor to the former VC, as well as any other gentlemen and devout individual. Do you want others to be violent or do you anticipate him to be violent?Students were gathered by the Students' Union Government (SUG) to express their disapproval of the Ag VC that the Chairman of Council had chosen.People are complaining in writing that due process was not adhered to. Did the female professor decide not to take office today because of that? No! It was seen in the video on the UNIZIK Facebook wall.

Second, to buttress on level playing field as discussed by some; Universities is governed by acts which includes outlined due process for installation governing bodies. It is believed that; the Federal University Act in Nigeria, does not include the age range of 66 to under 70.

Meanwhile, the former DVC in UNIABUJA who is a 41-year old lady has been confirmed and appointed by UNIABUJA Governing Council. Is UNIABUJA not same federal university with UNIZIK.

In a letter to the council chairman, NUC urged him to abide by the university's regulations. He was adamant, though. I dare state that under Prof. Ilochi Okafor's leadership as VC, former VC Prof. BC Egboka served as the previous DVC (administration). In those days, there was no council. The Governing Council corrected the letter when Prof. Egboka, Minister of Education, was appointed Acting VC after Prof. Ilochi Okafor transferred the leadership to him.

Prof. Egboka completed his five years in office, for a total of six years, while serving in an acting capacity for a year during which the Council was established and the proper procedure for VC appointment was followed.

Thirdly, the outgone VC Prof. Charles Esimone followed the due process of electing the Ag VC (Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu) before leaving office according to NUC, Federal Ministry of Education directives. As of June 3, 2024, only Prof. Joe Ikechebelu was the DVC in UNIZIK. So, the mantle of leadership fell on him. In UNN, there were three DVCs, and voting took place at the floor of the senate, which produced the present Acting VC in UNN.
The Federal Minister of Education refused to write a letter that appoints Prof. Joe Ikechebelu as the Acting VC in the absence of Council.

Since the council had been established, it was appropriate to issue the letter of appointment to Prof. Joe Ikechebelu in order to correct the UNIZIK Senate's mistake.The outgoing VC had no authority to issue the letter of appointment.

Fourth, VC/Ag VC is the chairman of the senate at any Nigerian university. An emergency senate meeting was set for July 19, 2024, according to a note in UNIZIK, however it was later moved to July 24, 2024. Additionally, a Council meeting that was originally planned on July 20, 2024, was moved to July 29, 2024.

The agenda for these meetings was Appointment of Ag VC.
Then 35 professors wrote on Friday evening of July 19, 2024, under the name of the NAU Professors Forum that they held an emergency meeting of the Senate and issued a letter to the Chairman of Council submitting the names of two former DVCs as those qualified to be appointed as the Acting VC.
Who chaired that meeting, and who was the secretary?

The Chairman of Council turned around and summoned a Council meeting to be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, which ended in a stalemate, but the Chairman and his other four external members left the Council chamber, went downstairs at the car park, and issued the letter in the vehicle to another person.

Is it right for the Chairman of Council NOT to liaise with the former DVC for harmonized dates to have held those senate and council meetings, respectively? How can he be dictating to the Ag Registrar of the University when and when not to schedule meetings? It is a mess, believe you me.

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