Professor Bernard Odoh has claimed that President Bola Tinubu was ill-advised in his decision to sack him as vice-chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State.
In an interview on AriseTV, Odoh emphasized that since he was not appointed through a press release, he should not be removed in such a manner.
His comments follow the recent announcement from the presidency regarding the dissolution of UNIZIK's Governing Council and the removal of both Odoh and the university's Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike.
This decision was communicated by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Odoh defended his qualifications for the position, stating that he underwent assessment by three evaluators before being appointed.
He highlighted his promotion to full professor status on October 1, 2015, and expressed frustration over claims questioning his academic credentials. "I’m not imposing myself on the institution," he stated.
He criticized the process leading to his removal, claiming that there was no panel of inquiry and that he had not been given an opportunity to present his case to the president.
Odoh also noted the ethnic bias he perceives in the opposition to his appointment, asserting that prejudices against individuals from Ebonyi State contribute to doubts about his qualifications.
Despite the turmoil, Odoh remains committed to ensuring that university operations continue smoothly in light of the leadership vacuum created by his removal.
He reiterated that any decision regarding his position should come through proper channels established by the governing council rather than through a press release from the president.
