UNIZIK students to FG: Reinstate Odoh as vice-chancellor

Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State have called on the Federal Government to fully implement the judgment of the National Industrial Court, ordering the reinstatement of Prof. Bernard Odoh as the Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Speaking with newsmen in Awka, yesterday, President, Nigerian Students and Youth Association, UniZik Chapter, Chisom Nwangwu, urged the minister of education to act, without further delay, in reinstating Odoh, in strict compliance with the court’s ruling.

He said Odoh was removed from office by the Federal Ministry of Education, following allegations by some of his opponents that he was not a professor and was, therefore, unqualified to occupy the position.

“However, the court has since affirmed that Odoh was duly promoted to the rank of professor in 2015 and, consequently, ordered that all his rights, entitlements, and privileges be fully restored.

“Respect for court judgments is fundamental to nation-building and must not be treated as optional. Nigerians must learn to obey court orders if the country is to build a society firmly rooted in the rule of law,” he said.

Nwangwu expressed concern that continued failure to implement the court’s ruling, particularly where the office of the vice-chancellor was never vacant in any legal or practical sense, sets dangerous precedent.

“This persistent disregard for a valid court order undermines democratic values and sends the wrong signal to citizens. Such actions should not be allowed to define us as a people, or as a democratic society,” he added.

Recalling that Odoh is the first alumnus of the university to be appointed as a vice-chancellor, Nwangwu described his removal as regrettable and driven by malicious claims intended to frustrate a young academic with clear and progressive vision for the overall development of the university.

The students’ leader appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure full compliance with the court’s judgment, noting that his administration was founded on principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.

“Such an intervention will reaffirm public confidence in democratic institutions and reassure young Nigerians that justice, fairness, and equality before the law remain attainable in Nigeria,” he stressed.