Bernard Odoh has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, despite pending litigation and other issues surrounding his appointment. Odoh, a professor of Applied Geophysics, assumed office on October 29, 2024, succeeding Charles Esimone.
His appointment has raised concerns, particularly from the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), which claimed that qualified lecturers from the faculties of Medicine, Basic Clinical Sciences, and Basic Medical Sciences were unjustly excluded from the selection process.
Odoh’s background is marked by his academic and political endeavors. He served as the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government from 2015 to 2018 and was the gubernatorial nominee of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Ebonyi State in 2023.
Controversies Surrounding Odoh’s Appointment
- Litigation: Pending lawsuits challenge the validity of Odoh’s appointment.
- Exclusion of Qualified Candidates: MDCAN alleges that deserving lecturers were unfairly excluded from consideration.
- Political Influence: Concerns about Odoh’s political ties and potential bias in the selection process.
It’s essential to note that these controversies may impact Odoh’s tenure as Vice Chancellor and the university’s overall operations. As more information becomes available, the situation will continue to unfold.