ASUU UNIZIK Chapter Directs Members to Shun Meetings with New Vice Chancellor
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) has instructed its members to boycott meetings organized by the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh, over concerns about the legitimacy of his appointment.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a move that underscores ongoing leadership tensions within Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), the university's Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter has issued a firm directive, instructing its members to avoid any meetings convened by the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Odoh. The directive follows concerns over the legitimacy of Prof. Odoh’s appointment, which ASUU claims has been nullified by a court order and the Federal Ministry of Education.
ASUU NAU Chairman, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, made this position clear in a statement distributed to journalists in Awka. According to Ubaoji, attending Prof. Odoh’s meetings would equate to recognizing what ASUU considers an "illegitimate claim to office," ultimately undermining institutional order and academic integrity.
“We expect Prof. Odoh to respect legitimate authorities and refrain from causing disorder in the university,” Ubaoji stated. “Members who attend his meetings will face consequences. We appreciate the cooperation of our members in upholding academic integrity and excellence.”
ASUU's concerns follow what the union describes as a disregard for judicial orders, with Ubaoji asserting that Prof. Odoh's appointment remains invalid. “We have been informed of a meeting convened today by Dr. Bernard Odoh, whose appointment as Vice Chancellor has been nullified. Do not attend this meeting,” he warned.
The union also urged members to remain cautious about any developments related to Prof. Odoh's activities, emphasizing that any invitations or notifications regarding meetings with him should be disregarded.
Ubaoji concluded by reiterating ASUU's commitment to upholding the principles of academic integrity and called for solidarity among members, stating, “Together, we will protect the interests of ASUU members and ensure the institution’s integrity.”
This ongoing dispute adds a layer of complexity to the administration's leadership dynamics at NAU, highlighting the delicate balance between academic governance and the legal system’s involvement in university appointments.
