Tensions Emerge Between Tinubu and Uzodimma as Governor’s Ally Sues Ministry of Education Over UNIZIK Crisis
By Mahmoud Darshe
In what appears to be a politically charged legal battle, Dr. Bernard Odoh, a close associate of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Education, challenging his dismissal as the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka. This action has sparked concerns about the growing friction between the Imo governor and President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding their respective positions on the governance of higher education in Nigeria. Odoh’s legal pursuit, which seeks to annul both his removal and the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council, raises broader questions about political influence in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Background to the Lawsuit: A Struggle for Control
The roots of this lawsuit trace back to the ongoing leadership crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, which has been marked by prolonged political interference, particularly from Governor Uzodimma. For months, the university community, led by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has been embroiled in a bitter dispute over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor. At the center of the controversy is Dr. Bernard Odoh, a former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, who had been appointed as the university’s Vice-Chancellor under the leadership of the dissolved Governing Council, headed by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
Odoh’s appointment, and the subsequent leadership changes at the university, have been fiercely contested by several factions within the university. ASUU and other members of the academic community have accused the Imo State Government and Uzodimma himself of orchestrating a politically motivated effort to place Odoh in the position, despite his lack of clear academic qualifications and professional pedigree for such a prestigious role.
The legal action brought by Odoh, in which he seeks to overturn his removal, as well as the dissolution of the Governing Council led by Mbadiwe, is indicative of the ongoing struggle for control over the university. It is a highly charged issue that intertwines education, politics, and power, with significant implications for the governance of Nigerian higher institutions.
The Role of Political Influence in University Appointments
The situation at UNIZIK is far from an isolated case. It represents a broader pattern of political influence and interference in the management of Nigeria’s public universities. In the past, various state governors, politicians, and influential figures have been accused of trying to control the leadership of universities, often for political or personal gain. The selection of vice-chancellors, chancellors, and governing councils has historically been subjected to external pressures, undermining the autonomy of academic institutions.
In this case, Governor Uzodimma, who has long been associated with Odoh, is alleged to have played a significant role in orchestrating Odoh’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor, despite the widespread resistance from various quarters within the university. Critics argue that Uzodimma’s interest in UNIZIK stems from his desire to exert greater control over the institution and use it as a platform to influence the region’s educational landscape. The Imo State governor’s alleged collaboration with former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, to install a politically aligned Governing Council adds to the suspicion surrounding the process.
The dissolution of the Governing Council led by Ambassador Mbadiwe, whose members were reportedly handpicked with political considerations in mind, has become a contentious issue. The Ministry of Education’s involvement in the council’s dissolution is seen by many as a sign of the federal government’s attempt to reclaim control over a sector that has been increasingly influenced by state politics. President Tinubu has made clear his determination to reform Nigeria’s education system, particularly in higher education, which he views as being plagued by political manipulation and corruption. His administration has emphasized the need to restore transparency, meritocracy, and accountability in university leadership appointments.
Odoh’s Qualifications Under Scrutiny
Dr. Bernard Odoh’s qualifications to hold the position of Vice-Chancellor have been a subject of intense debate. While Odoh is a seasoned political figure, having served as the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, his academic credentials have been called into question. Accusations of academic fraud, including allegations of forgery and impersonation, have dogged Odoh’s career, particularly when it comes to his claim of holding a professorship.
The Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) recently distanced itself from Odoh, formally disavowing any association with him as a member of its staff or as a professor. This move has further compounded the controversy surrounding his appointment to UNIZIK, with many questioning how someone with dubious academic credentials could have been appointed to such a prestigious position.
Additionally, Odoh’s claim of being a professor at FUGUS was contradicted by official correspondence from the university, which indicated that Odoh was never part of the faculty. This development has fueled further skepticism about Odoh’s suitability for the Vice-Chancellor role, with critics arguing that his appointment was politically motivated rather than based on merit or academic achievement.
The Impact of the Lawsuit on UNIZIK
The ongoing legal battle is not only a personal one for Odoh, but it has significant implications for the future of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The university, which has long been a center of academic excellence in the Southeast, has been severely affected by the political infighting and the leadership crisis that has plagued it in recent months. Faculty members, students, and other stakeholders have expressed frustration with the lack of stable leadership, which has disrupted the academic environment and hampered the university’s ability to function effectively.
The intervention of the Ministry of Education and the eventual dissolution of the Governing Council was seen by many as a necessary step to restore order and ensure that due process was followed in the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor. However, the ongoing legal action threatens to prolong the crisis and further destabilize the university, leaving the future of its leadership in limbo.
The lawsuit also raises broader questions about the autonomy of Nigerian universities. If political figures can influence and manipulate the leadership of institutions like UNIZIK, it undermines the integrity and independence of higher education in the country. The legal proceedings will likely set a precedent for how such cases will be handled in the future, with the potential to reshape the governance structures of universities across Nigeria.
The Larger Political Context
While the UNIZIK crisis appears to be a localized issue, it is embedded in a larger political context that reflects the power struggles between Nigeria’s federal and state governments. President Bola Tinubu has made education reform a central part of his administration’s agenda. He has expressed concerns over the growing political influence in Nigerian universities and has emphasized the need to depoliticize the education sector to ensure that academic institutions can thrive independently of political interference.
The legal action initiated by Odoh can be seen as a direct challenge to Tinubu’s vision for reform. If the court rules in Odoh’s favor, it could embolden other politicians to continue meddling in the affairs of public universities, further entrenching the culture of political influence in higher education.
At the same time, Tinubu’s government is keen to establish a more centralized and meritocratic approach to the management of universities, where appointments are based on academic qualifications and professional standards rather than political patronage. This is a critical moment for the administration to demonstrate its commitment to education reform and its ability to challenge political forces that seek to undermine the autonomy of universities.
The Role of ASUU in the Crisis
Throughout the unfolding events, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been at the forefront of resisting the influence of politics in university leadership. ASUU has filed several lawsuits challenging the dissolution of the UNIZIK Governing Council and demanding that the university adhere to due process in appointing a Vice-Chancellor. ASUU’s stance reflects the broader concerns within the academic community about the politicization of university governance and the negative impact it has on academic freedom and institutional integrity.
The union’s resistance has been vocal, with numerous protests and public statements calling for a transparent and accountable process in the selection of university leaders. ASUU’s efforts to hold the government and university administration accountable are critical in preserving the autonomy and independence of higher education institutions in Nigeria.
Potential Outcomes of the Lawsuit
As the lawsuit progresses, several potential outcomes could emerge. If the court rules in favor of Dr. Odoh, it could mean a protracted legal battle over the future leadership of UNIZIK, prolonging the crisis and creating further uncertainty for the university community. A ruling in Odoh’s favor could also embolden other politicians and political figures to continue using the courts to challenge university leadership decisions, leading to a more politicized higher education system.
On the other hand, if the court rules in favor of the Ministry of Education and upholds the dissolution of the Governing Council, it would send a strong message about the need to depoliticize university governance and restore independence to academic institutions. Such a ruling could set a precedent for similar cases across the country and encourage other universities to adopt more transparent and merit-based processes for leadership appointments.
Ultimately, the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of Nigeria’s education system. As the legal battle unfolds, the nation will be watching closely to see how the courts navigate this complex issue and whether the government can successfully push for education reform without interference from powerful political figures.
Conclusion
The legal drama surrounding Dr. Bernard Odoh’s lawsuit against the Ministry of Education is just one chapter in the ongoing struggle to protect the autonomy and integrity of Nigeria’s universities. With political influence and interference continuing to plague the education sector, it is clear that significant reforms are necessary to ensure that academic institutions can function independently and effectively. The case at UNIZIK will likely serve as a litmus test for President Tinubu’s commitment to education reform and his ability to curb political meddling in the country’s universities.
The involvement of ASUU, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders will be crucial in determining the outcome of this legal battle and shaping the future of Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
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EXCERPT
UNIZIK: UZODIMMA’S ALLY SUES TINUBU
Mahmoud Darshe
There are indications that all may not be well between President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of the Progressives Governors forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State. This is as Dr. Bernard Odoh, a known stooge of the governor of Imo State has instituted a court action against the Ministry of Education, challenging his sack as Vice-Chancellor.
Odoh, whose qualifications to become a Vice-Chancellor have come under intense scrutiny, following allegations of forgery and impersonation, is asking the court to nullify his removal as Vice-Chancellor and also the dissolution of the Governing Council led by Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
The Greg Mbadiwe led Governing Council was allegedly handpicked by the Imo State Governor in cahoots with the former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, as part of an alleged bid to hijack the tertiary education sector, especially, in the Southeast.
Commentators believe that the former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, Odoh, couldn’t have instituted the suit without support from Governor Uzodimma, whom he allegedly clears from before taking any action, especially as it relates to the issue in UNIZIK.
President Tinubu has not hidden his determination to transform the education sector in Nigeria, especially, the tertiary education sector, where a lot of political influences are said to have threatened the smooth running of the sector and therefore, the quality of education at that level.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has been embroiled in leadership crisis for some months running, allegedly, due to the interest of the Imo State Governor to exert full control over the running of the university. His preference for Odoh was vehemently resisted by the UNIZIK community, especially, the Academic Staff Union of Universities whose numerous suits and court orders asking the dissolved Governing Council to observe Due Process in appointing a Vice-Chancellor were ignored.
Odoh’s claim for professorship was also nullified following a series of communication from the Federal University Gusau, Fugus, disowning him either as a member of its staff or its professor.
