Before the Sun Sets on UNIZIK’s Troubled Dawn

By Amarike Akpoke

The crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, UNIZIK, is fast spiraling out of control, and unless decisive action is taken, the institution may soon find itself in a state of irreparable turmoil. The unfolding drama, involving the sacking of Vice Chancellor ‘Prof’ Bernard Odoh, the reinstatement of Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu as Acting VC, and the dissolution of the Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council, has plunged the university into a combustible conflict, undermining its academic focus and disrupting its governance structure.

On Thursday, 21 November 2024, Dr. Bernard Odoh appeared on Arise TV, where he vehemently rejected the claims of his dismissal. "I was not appointed through a press release. I was appointed by a constituted authority, and I have your letter," Odoh stated, confidently asserting that no proper process had been followed in his purported removal. According to him, he had not committed any crime, and after the interview, he would be heading straight to his office. This denial of the Ministry of Education’s directive to reinstate Prof. Ikechebelu sets the stage for an impending showdown, one that could plunge the institution into chaos.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, in its statement dated November 20,  2024, confirmed the reinstatement of Prof. Ikechebelu, citing his appointment as Acting VC following the dissolution of the governing council. Mr. Victor Modebe was equally re-instated as the Ag. Registrar. This decision by the federal government has already elicited a strong reaction from ASUU, Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIZIK, which has warned that any attempts to invalidate the four-year tenure of the Internal Council members would face vigorous legal opposition. Ironically, ASUU had earlier called for the sack of ‘Prof’ Odo as the Vice Chancellor and dissolution of the Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council.

This situation is a clear recipe for confusion and lawlessness. The seeming conflicting statements from key players - the Minister of Education, the outgoing Vice Chancellor, and ASUU - are only fueling the growing unrest on campus. Faculty, students, and staff are caught in the crossfire of a battle not for academic excellence or institutional progress, but for political control and power within the university. The disarray threatens not only the leadership of UNIZIK but also the safety and security of all those who depend on the institution for their livelihoods and education.

What appears to be unfolding at UNIZIK is a classic case of political manoeuvring at the expense of the institution's future. The struggle for control of the university has become a proxy war in the larger political games surrounding the 2027 general elections. The true victims in this struggle are the students and faculty members, who are witnessing their academic pursuits being hijacked by the ambitions of political gladiators. Their right to a stable and productive academic environment is being compromised by the bickering and ego-driven decisions of some political actors.

President Bola Tinubu may wish to intervene swiftly and decisively before the situation deteriorates further. The crisis is no longer just about the university’s leadership; it is about the breakdown of law and order within an institution that should serve as a model of discipline and academic excellence. The failure to resolve this crisis in a timely manner risks eroding the credibility of UNIZIK and tarnishing the reputation of the federal government’s commitment to the proper governance of Nigeria’s higher education institutions.

It is indeed ironic that a university named after a man who fought for Nigeria’s independence, unity, and dignity is now caught in a bitter power struggle. Dr. Azikiwe dedicated his life to the upliftment of Nigeria and the African continent, envisioning a future where education would be the cornerstone of societal progress. The university that bears his name should, by all means, be a model of academic excellence, free from the corrupting influence of political maneuvering and backroom deals. What is most disheartening about the current crisis is the evident disregard for the academic integrity and autonomy of UNIZIK. The ongoing conflict, where different political factions are using the university as a battlefield for their own gain, sends a dangerous message. It implies that even institutions of higher learning, establishments that are meant to inspire critical thinking, promote research, and contribute to the intellectual development of the nation can be sacrificed for the sake of political expediency.

The university should never be seen as a prize to be won in political games. The selection of leadership at UNIZIK, or any other university for that matter, should be based on merit, integrity, and a commitment to the advancement of knowledge, not on the whims of political operatives. The ideals that Zik stood for, unity, progress, and the betterment of the Nigerian people, should guide the actions of all those involved in the leadership of the university. Instead, what we are witnessing is a tragic distortion of those principles.

For those in positions of power, particularly at the federal level, it is essential to recognize the broader implications of their actions. Allowing political considerations to dominate the decision-making process at UNIZIK not only undermines the university’s potential but also erodes public trust in Nigeria’s higher education system. The university should be allowed to operate independently, focused on its mission to provide quality education and foster intellectual growth.

It is time for all political actors involved to put aside their personal ambitions and the desire for short-term gains. The future of UNIZIK and its ability to serve the educational needs of the country should not be sacrificed for political advantage. The leadership of the university must be decided through a transparent and merit-based process, in line with the values set forth by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe himself.

In the end, we must ask ourselves: will the history of this great institution be remembered for political intrigue and power struggles, or will it be remembered for advancing the cause of knowledge, unity, and national progress as Zik envisioned? It is incumbent on all stakeholders, political leaders, university administrators, and the Nigerian public to ensure that the legacy of the Great Zik of Africa is honoured, not through division and discord, but through collective efforts to advance the cause of education in Nigeria. UNIZIK should not, and must never, be a pawn in the hands of political gladiators. It is an institution that holds a significant place in Nigeria’s academic and political history, and its future should not be left to chance or political infighting. President Tinubu and all relevant stakeholders must act decisively, for the sake of the university, its students, and the future of higher education in Nigeria. The time to end the drama is now, before the sun sets on UNIZIK’s already troubled dawn.