By Madu Obi
As the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Benard Odoh prepares to attend a Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Joseph's Chaplaincy inside the Awka campus of the university to begin his tenure on Tuesday, a letter annulling his appointment has surfaced.
A statement by the special adviser to the Vice Chancellor on media and public relations, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu said the Mass will be celebrated by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye, who will thereafter proceed to the office of the Vice Chancellor for blessing.
However, a letter signed by Mrs R.G Ilyasu for the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education and copied to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, has put Odoh's appointment on hold.
The letter addressed to the Pro Chancellor and chairman of the governing council of the university reads: " Sequel to your meeting with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, held on Friday 25th October, 2024, it was formally agreed that no appointments should be carried out without reconciling with the aggrieved parties in the university community.
It has come to the attention of the Ministry that your council had gone ahead to appoint a Vice Chancellor for the university without the representation of the Ministry, internal council members, and other stakeholders on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. This is a gross disregard for constituted authority and is not in line with existing provisions.
I am directed to inform you that all appointments made so far are null and void. You are therefore requested to put on hold all other appointments in the university, pending the assumption of duty of the new Honorable Minister of Education.
Please accept the assurances of the esteemed regards and considerations of the Permanent Secretary of Education.”
The Vice Chancellor's spokesman has, however, said a statement will be issued concerning the latest development.
Recall that the chairman of the governing council, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe had last week announced Odoh, a Professor of Applied Geophysics in the university, as the 7th Vice Chancellor of the university.
Eighteen candidates were said to have taken part in the contest and following his success, Odoh was immediately issued with a letter of appointment by Mbadiwe.
Few hours later, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi handed over to him.
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