Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, have called on the Federal Government to fully implement the judgment of the National Industrial Court ordering the reinstatement of Prof Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Speaking with journalists in Awka, the President of the Nigerian Students and Youth Association, UNIZIK Chapter, Chisom Nwangwu, urged the Minister of Education to act without further delay in reinstating Odoh in strict compliance with the court’s ruling.
According to him, Odoh was removed from office by the Federal Ministry of Education following allegations by some opponents that he was not a professor and was therefore unqualified to occupy the position.
“However, the court has since affirmed that Professor Odoh was duly promoted to the rank of professor in 2015 and consequently ordered that all his rights, entitlements and privileges be fully restored,” he said.
Nwangwu expressed concern that continued failure to implement the court’s ruling sets a dangerous precedent.
“This persistent disregard for a valid court order undermines democratic values and sends the wrong signal to citizens,” he added.
He recalled that Odoh is the first alumnus of the university to be appointed Vice-Chancellor, describing his removal as regrettable and driven by malicious claims.
The students’ leader appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure full compliance with the judgment.
“Such an intervention will reaffirm public confidence in democratic institutions and reassure young Nigerians that justice, fairness and equality before the law remain attainable,” he said.
