Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, are urging the Federal Government to honor the National Industrial Court’s ruling by reinstating Professor Bernard Odoh as the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
“Students of the Nigerian Students and Youth Association, UNIZIK chapter, have called on the Minister of Education to promptly reinstate Professor Odoh, in full adherence to the court’s verdict.
The President of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Student Union, Mr. Chisom Nwangwu, has urged the federal government to implement a National Industrial Court judgment restoring Professor Odoh as Vice-Chancellor.
Nwangwu recalled that Professor Odoh was previously removed from office by the Federal Ministry of Education over allegations that he was not a professor. However, the court affirmed that Odoh was duly promoted to professor in 2015 and ordered the restoration of all his rights, entitlements, and privileges.
“Respect for court judgments is fundamental to nation-building and should not be treated as optional,” Nwangwu said, warning that continued non-compliance with the ruling sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic values.
He highlighted that Professor Odoh is UNIZIK’s first alumnus to be appointed Vice-Chancellor, describing his removal as unjust and motivated by malicious claims against a young academic with a progressive vision for the university.
The student leader also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, noting that his administration stands on principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
He believes that such an intervention would restore public trust in democratic institutions and assure young Nigerians that justice, fairness, and equality before the law are still achievable in the country.