Despite initial protests from some members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) community, Prof. Benard Odoh has officially assumed office as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the university. Announced on Tuesday by the university’s governing council chairman, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, Odoh took over from the outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, in a formal handover ceremony on Wednesday.
Odoh’s appointment initially sparked resistance, with some protesting his selection due to his origins from Ebonyi State rather than Anambra State, where UNIZIK is located. Mr. Jack Iyioku, an Anambra-based legal practitioner, condemned the protests, attributing them to ethnic bias rather than merit-based concerns. He encouraged the university community to support Odoh’s vision and focus on his qualifications and leadership capabilities.
“It is disappointing that institutions, especially citadels of learning like Nnamdi Azikiwe University, sometimes prioritize ethnicity over merit,” Iyioku remarked, urging the community to move beyond divisive politics and work with Odoh to advance the university’s goals.
Now firmly in his new role, Odoh is expected to lead the university with a focus on fostering academic excellence and unity, as the UNIZIK community looks to move forward under his leadership.
