The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Nnamdi Azikiwe University has petitioned the National Industrial Court, urging it to nullify the recent appointments of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as Vice Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as Registrar. ASUU claims these appointments were made unilaterally and violate university statutes.
In a suit filed on October 29, 2024, under case number NICN/AWK/52/2024, ASUU challenged the legality of the selection process, alleging it breached sections of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act. The claimants argue that the university’s governing council, without full composition, improperly set criteria and initiated the recruitment process for both positions.
ASUU’s legal representatives, led by Onyeka B. Ehiwuogwu, seek 25 specific court orders, including a perpetual injunction to prevent Odoh and Nwokike from assuming their roles. ASUU contends that these appointments, which were formalized on October 21 and October 29 respectively, lack legal backing and contravene standard procedural requirements for university governance.
The suit lists Nnamdi Azikiwe University, its governing council, Pro-Chancellor Amb. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, and several university officials as defendants. Among the issues raised is whether the external council members, without a fully constituted body, had the authority to set qualifications for and advertise the Vice Chancellor role, a move ASUU argues is “illegal, null, and void.”
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ASUU also alleges political interference, citing sources who claim the university’s pro-chancellor was influenced by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to secure Odoh’s appointment. The union contends that Odoh’s selection is a strategic move with potential implications for upcoming political developments.
The court has been asked to determine if the actions by the university’s governing council violate established legal frameworks governing appointments within the university. A decision on these questions and the numerous reliefs requested by ASUU is expected to clarify the legality of the university’s recent appointments.
