National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, have called for peace and collaboration among all factions within the institution following the emergence of Prof. Bernard Odoh as the new Vice Chancellor.
The university emphasised the need for all parties to put aside differences and work together towards building a stronger and more progressive institution.
The appeal for unity comes in the wake of controversies surrounding the appointment of Prof. Odoh as the seventh Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK.
In a press briefing held in Awka on Friday, the Vice Chancellor’s Personal Assistant for Media and Publicity, Charles Otu, urged members of the university community to focus on the institution’s development and support the new VC in executing his vision.
Otu stated that the issues regarding the VC’s appointment had been resolved, and it was time for the university to move forward.
He stressed that it was crucial for everyone to rally behind Prof. Odoh to ensure the success of his administration and the fulfillment of his transformative plans for the institution.
“This press conference is necessary to set the record straight and correct the misinformation being spread about the Vice Chancellor, particularly regarding his appointment,” Otu said. “We want to assure everyone that the process leading to his appointment was transparent and thorough.”
According to Otu, the allegations of irregularities in the selection process were baseless and lacked substantial evidence.
He pointed out that, despite ongoing legal matters, the race for the seventh substantive Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK was officially concluded on October 29, 2024, with Prof. Odoh emerging as the winner with 90 points.
He also highlighted that the National Industrial Court in Awka had validated the scoring templates used by the Governing Council of the university, which was headed by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
Otu noted that the council had responded appropriately to concerns raised by the Medical and Dental Council Association of Nigeria, ensuring fairness and due process in the selection process.
Otu further outlined Prof. Odoh’s impressive academic credentials, which include a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences (1999), a Master of Science in Applied Geophysics, and a Doctorate in Applied Geophysics (2008), all obtained from UNIZIK.
He also served as a visiting professor of geophysics at the Federal University Gusau in 2014 before becoming a full professor of applied geophysics in 2015.
He added that Prof. Odoh secured the Vice Chancellor position after a meticulous interview process, scoring 90 points, significantly ahead of the second-place candidate, who garnered 68 points.
With his appointment now final, Otu emphasized that Prof. Odoh is focused on driving the university’s development with a clear and ambitious vision.
“His goal is to lead the university into a new era of growth, innovation, and academic excellence,” he said.
Otu also called on the media to verify facts before publication, urging them to avoid spreading unfounded rumors and misleading information.
“The truth is out there in the public domain, and those who are still spreading lies should reconsider their actions,” he said.
He further appealed to those who have used social media to tarnish Prof. Odoh’s reputation and question the integrity of his appointment to reconsider their stance and put the university’s interests above personal or political gains.
“We urge everyone to work together for the progress of the university,” Otu concluded, emphasising that Prof. Odoh is a well-respected academic with the experience and vision to lead UNIZIK into a brighter future.
