“I’m heading to the office” — Sacked Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC dares Tinubu

The sacked vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has firmly declared that he will not vacate the office he recently assumed on October 29, 2024.

Despite his dismissal, Odoh maintains that his position is legitimate and argues that leaving would contribute to what he describes as anarchy within the institution.

Professor Bernard Odoh was dismissed from his position as vice-chancellor by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 20, 2024.

This decision came in the wake of serious allegations regarding irregularities in the process of his appointment, as well as ongoing controversies related to his academic qualifications.

The announcement that Prof Bernard Odoh had been sacked and that the university’s Governing Council dissolved was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

In a separate statement, Boriowo Folashade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, also confirmed the development, citing the appointment’s procedural violations.

Reacting through his spokesperson, Charles Otu, Odoh refuted claims that his dismissal was authorized by President Tinubu, suggesting the decision originated solely from the Ministry of Education. He argued that the ministry lacks the authority to remove him from office and maintained that he would not step down until the court delivers a verdict on the matter.

Odoh’s statement emphasized his belief that due process was not followed in his removal, adding that he would continue to challenge the decision legally.

Speaking on Arise News Television on Thursday morning, Professor Bernard Odoh said that the procedures for him to be sacked have not been followed saying that only the governing council can remove him from office.

He also warned that the institution was on Thursday set to receive external bodies who were visiting the institution and that removing him from office would amount to anarchy.

Odoh said: “The visitor set up this council. The council has not been invited by anybody. There’s no written communication either from anybody from the NUC or from the Ministry, asking the council to explain what has happened in Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I haven’t been communicated. There has been no information anywhere. There has been no panel of enquiry. No panel of investigation.

“All I heard yesterday was to see the information on the media space saying that I have been removed. I was not appointed through a press release. I was appointed by a constituted authority and I have your letter. So, I don’t understand. So, after this interview, I’m heading to the office. I haven’t committed any crime. I was appointed by a procedure, and the procedure is straightforward.”