The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, located in Anambra, has initiated legal proceedings to contest the appointments of Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh as Vice Chancellor and Mrs. Rosemary Ifeoma Nwokike as Registrar. The union filed the suit on Tuesday, October 29, at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Awka, designated as suit no. NICN/AWK/52/2024. They are requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent both individuals from continuing to act in their respective roles.
The plaintiffs argue that the appointments were made through a flawed process that occurred without proper authority. They assert that the selection of the Registrar on October 21, 2024, and the Vice Chancellor on October 29, violated legal provisions and should be deemed illegal and void. The claimants contend that the procedures breached several sections of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (amended in 2007 and 2012) as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act 1992.
Furthermore, the claimants have emphasized that external members of the Governing Council do not possess the authority to establish qualification criteria for these positions or to advertise vacancies without the complete Council’s composition. The suit was filed by Onyeka B. Ehiwuogwu Esq. and includes ASUU Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter, along with Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji (Chairperson), Prof. Stanley C. Udedi, and Prof. Greg Orji Obiamalu as the primary claimants.
The claimants assert that the second to fourth claimants are representing the interests of concerned members of ASUU at Nnamdi Azikiwe University who are part of the Senate. The defendants in the case include Nnamdi Azikiwe University, its Council, Pro-Chancellor Amb. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, and the individuals involved in the selection process.
The lawsuit outlines eleven specific questions for the court’s determination, seeking 25 different reliefs focused on nullifying the contested appointments. Among the questions presented is whether the criteria for the Vice Chancellor’s position and the related advertisement were established legally under the relevant statutes.
One relief sought by the claimants is a declaration that the external members of the Council lack the authority to determine qualification criteria for the Vice Chancellor’s role or to proceed with vacancy advertisements without a fully constituted Council. The plaintiffs also aim to challenge the legality of the selection process initiated by the Governing Council.
Additionally, the claimants are requesting an order that would prevent Mrs. Nwokike from performing her duties as Registrar, citing her appointment’s illegitimacy. A source within the university revealed to SaharaReporters that the Pro-Chancellor, Mbadiwe, was appointed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, allegedly to facilitate Odoh’s ascension to the Vice Chancellorship. The source also claimed that there are plans for Odoh’s appointment to prepare for future developments in 2027, adding that he is not even a full professor.
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