“People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State.” – Sacked UNIZIK VC, alleges Intra-ethnic rivalry

November 23, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The recent announcement sacking Prof Bernard Odoh as the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been attributed to intra-ethnic rivalry in Igboland, according to Odoh himself.

He claimed that his ordeal was due to his place of birth, Ebonyi State, which is often referred to as “Wawa” by other Igbos.

Odoh stated that he was sacked by fellow Igbo leaders who felt he comes from an inferior territory in Igboland.

“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people. People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State. People have ganged up to remove me at all costs,” he said.

The Professor also alleged that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, “jumped the gun” while taking the decision to sack him, despite four pending lawsuits on the issue.

“Those matters are yet to be determined, and now the minister jumped the gun on a matter the Federal Ministry of Education is a party to as defendants.

The court hasn’t ruled on this matter. So, I don’t see a basis for all of this noise,” he added.

Odoh further stated that he would go to the university to ensure that accreditations and activities are properly done.

“I am going to the university to ensure that activities and accreditation go on. The Federal Ministry of Education is introducing a crisis on campus. I am an alumnus of this university. It pains me that the university is being destroyed,” he said.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has demonstrated support for Odoh, accusing the Governing Council of the institution of failing to follow due process in his appointment.

The Union wants the ministry to dissolve the council over acts of illegality.