A dispute has erupted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, following conflicting actions between the university’s governing council and the Federal Ministry of Education concerning the appointment of Professor Benard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor.

This appointment, made on Tuesday by the council led by Pro-Chancellor Greg Mbadiwe, has sparked reactions amid protests from various university stakeholders, including members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities and medical practitioners at the institution.

On Friday, a memo from the Ministry of Education reportedly annulled Odoh’s appointment, citing procedural violations. The memo, signed by Permanent Secretary R.A. Ilyasu, criticized the university’s council for acting without ministry representatives and other stakeholders, describing the appointment as a “gross disregard to constituted authority.” The memo also nullified the recent appointment of a new registrar, instructing the council to hold further appointments until the new Minister of Education assumes office.

In response, UNIZIK’s Registrar, R.I. Nwokike, issued a letter dated November 1, 2024, asserting that proper protocols were followed, including inviting all relevant stakeholders to the October 29 meeting. Nwokike maintained that representatives from the Federal Character Commission and both internal and external council members attended, supported by an attendance register and photographs.