“I’m Heading To The Office, I Haven’t Committed Any Crime” — Sacked Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC Challenges Tinubu

• Professor Bernard Odoh, who was sacked as vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has confirmed that he will not leave his position.

• Odoh, despite his dismissal, maintains his legitimate position and believes leaving would contribute to anarchy within the institution.

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

The dismissed vice-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has resolutely stated that he will not relinquish the office he assumed on October 29, 2024.

In light of his termination, Odoh asserts that his position is valid and contends that his resignation would exacerbate what he characterizes as chaos within the university. Professor Bernard Odoh was removed from his role as vice-chancellor by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 20, 2024.

This action followed serious allegations concerning irregularities in the appointment process, as well as ongoing disputes regarding his academic credentials.

The announcement of Professor Bernard Odoh’s dismissal and the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Additionally, Boriowo Folashade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, confirmed the situation in a separate statement, citing violations in the appointment process.

In response, Odoh, through his spokesperson Charles Otu, denied that President Tinubu authorized his dismissal, suggesting that the decision was solely a product of the Ministry of Education. He contended that the ministry does not possess the authority to remove him and affirmed that he would remain in his position until a court ruling is issued on the matter.

Odoh’s statement highlighted his conviction that due process was not adhered to in his removal, and he expressed his intention to legally contest the decision.

During an appearance on Arise News Television on Thursday morning, Professor Bernard Odoh reiterated that the proper procedures for his dismissal had not been followed, asserting that only the governing council has the authority to remove him from his position.

He also cautioned that the university was scheduled to host external visitors that day, and that his removal would lead to disorder within the institution.

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.”