UNIZIK Names Prof. Benard Odoh as New Vice-Chancellor

The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, led by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Greg Mbadiwe, has officially appointed Prof. Benard Odoh as the institution's seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor. Odoh, a distinguished professor of geophysics, was chosen from a pool of 18 applicants after an extensive screening and interview process, ultimately scoring the highest marks for his extensive academic and administrative background.

During the presentation of his certificate at the University’s Council Chambers on Tuesday, Mbadiwe emphasized Odoh’s qualifications, noting that his “evidence-based significant experience in university teaching, research, and administration” distinguished him as the top candidate.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Odoh expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, acknowledging the unique honor of being the first alumnus of UNIZIK to hold the position. “By my appointment, I will be the first alumni of the university to be appointed as Vice-Chancellor,” Odoh remarked, adding that he earned his undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from UNIZIK. He pledged to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment, focusing on delivering effective leadership and impactful results.

Prof. Odoh, who was born on August 5, 1975, in Ezza North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, began his academic journey in UNIZIK’s Department of Geological Sciences, graduating in 1999. He was appointed Lecturer I in 2009, following the completion of his Ph.D. in 2008. In 2015, he advanced to the rank of professor at the Federal University Gusau.

With over 120 research publications to his name, Odoh is recognized internationally for his contributions to geophysical research. In 2013, he mentored the UNIZIK team to a leading position in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Imperial Barrel Award competition, representing Africa at the global finals in Pittsburgh, USA.

Odoh’s distinguished career includes previous roles at UNIZIK, such as Senate member from 2010 to 2014 and Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Matters. He also served as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, returning to UNIZIK in 2019. His commitment to advancing academic excellence and leadership earned him a place in the 2010 US State Department’s Visitor Leadership Programme for newly-appointed Nigerian Vice-Chancellors.

As Prof. Odoh assumes the Vice-Chancellor role, he has vowed to prioritize the university’s mission, saying, “We will face the business of leadership straightaway. The era of politics is over.”