By Waziri IA Gwantu (Group Editor-in-chief)
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi as Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, took a dramatic turn yesterday.
Professor Mu’azu Gusau Abubakar, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gusau, addressed a press conference to clear the air on Dr. Odoh’s claims.
Dr. Odoh had alleged that he was offered a tenure appointment and confirmed as a Professor by the Federal University Gusau.
However, Professor Abubakar revealed that Dr. Odoh’s claims are false and misleading.
The University Management decided to go public to stem further misinformation, following numerous enquiries about Dr. Odoh’s status.
VC FUGUS
Professor Abubakar explained that appointment of staff is done based on laid-down guidelines approved by the University’s Governing Council.
He stated that Dr. Odoh did not submit a letter of acceptance for his alleged appointment.
Additionally, Dr. Odoh did not undergo statutory documentation.
Dr. Odoh was engaged as a visiting linkage staff in the Department of Geology but did not assume duty or teach any courses.
Shockingly, he collected salary without working, which is an illegality.
There is no personal file related to his appointment in the University’s custody.
The documents Dr. Odoh presented, purportedly issued by the University, were certified by the former Registrar, Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, six years after he left the University.
This is a clear case of administrative fraud, perpetrated by Dr. Odoh and his accomplices.
Professor Abubakar revealed that Dr. Odoh’s promotion to Professor was never ratified by the University’s Governing Council.
In fact, the first Governing Council rejected the former Vice Chancellor’s request for ratification.
Furthermore, Dr. Odoh’s leave of absence was improper, as it’s a privilege reserved for confirmed staff after probation.
Professor Abubakar emphasized that Dr. Odoh’s actions were a desperate attempt to use the Federal University Gusau’s reputation to further his ambitions.
The Federal University Gusau has made it clear that Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi is not and has never been a staff member of the University.
In conclusion, Professor Abubakar urged the public to disregard Dr. Odoh’s false assertions and recognize the desperation behind his actions.