Despite initial protest by some members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community, the new Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Benard Odoh has assumed office.
Odoh was last Tuesday announced as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, by the chairman of governing council of the university, Amb Greg Mbadiwe, after a rigorous screening.
On Wednesday evening, Odoh assumed office as the Vice Chancellor after he was handed over to by the outgone Acting VC of the institution, Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi.
Odoh’s appointment had on Tuesday sparked protest, with some members of the university community carrying placards to protest his appointment.
A member of the university community, Mr Jack Iyioku, who is also an Anambra-based legal practitioner, attributed the protests against Odoh as being orchestrated by some people who are not happy that an Ebonyi State indigene was appointed to head a federal institution in Anambra.
Iyioku, who spoke to journalists after the handing over, said there is no reason to continue to distract the new Vice Chancellor, but to cooperate with him to move the university forward.
Iyioku said: “It is pitiful that everything in our beloved country, Nigeria has become political, and most times wearing the toga of ethnicity and religion.
“Even citadels of learning like the great Nnamdi Azikiwe University has also gone down as one of such institutions where some people sacrifice merit for ethnicity and relationship.
“In a bid to discredit Odoh who hails from Ebonyi State, some people in the university community who may have been bought over, or feeling irked by the fact that he is not from Anambra State went on a protest, carrying placards.
“Those who feel disappointed because Odoh is not their kinsman should rather concern themselves with his pedigree and his ability to deliver, than where he hails from.
“Now that Odoh has fully taken over the leadership of the institution with the handing over ceremony to him by the outgoing Acting VC, Prof Carol Arinze-Umobi, we need to cooperate with him to move the university forward,” Iyioku appealed.