Professor Odoh assumes office as new UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, calls for unity

P Professor Benard Odoh has officially taken office as the seventh substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, following his appointment by the institution’s Governing Council.

Despite initial protests from some members of the university community, Odoh was handed over the reins on Wednesday evening by the outgoing Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi, after a smooth transition.

In the face of opposition, some university members, including Anambra-based legal practitioner Mr Jack Iyioku, have called for unity and support for Odoh’s leadership. “There is no reason to continue to distract the new Vice Chancellor, but to cooperate with him to move the university forward,” said Iyioku, emphasising that Odoh's background should not overshadow his qualifications and vision for UNIZIK.

Iyioku expressed disappointment at the political and ethnic undertones of the opposition. “It is pitiful that everything in our beloved country, Nigeria, has become political, often wearing the toga of ethnicity and religion,” he said. He urged those sceptical of Odoh’s appointment to focus on his capabilities rather than his state of origin, encouraging members to give the new Vice Chancellor a fair chance to demonstrate his commitment to the university’s growth.

With Odoh now at the helm, UNIZIK has an opportunity to strengthen its academic vision.

Supporters believe that unity and cooperation within the university community will help bring about a productive and progressive era under his leadership.