Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh, the recently suspended Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), has filed a lawsuit against the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) for allegedly denying that he was ever made a professor, a claim that he argues has caused significant damage to his reputation.
Odoh, who was removed from office under controversial circumstances, contends that his professorship status has been unjustly challenged, especially after accusations about improper appointment procedures led to his dismissal.
The legal action was initiated at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) under suit number NICN/ ABJ/ 434/ 2024, with no hearing date yet set.
In a statement issued by Odoh’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Charles Otu, Odoh expressed his intent to pursue legal redress for what he described as damaging and weighty allegations against his character and professional record.
Odoh specifically accused the management of FUGUS of working in collusion with politicians to undermine him, aiming to discredit him not only within the academic community but also in the public eye.
The controversy began following statements made by Professor Muazu Abubakar, the Vice-Chancellor of FUGUS, who publicly claimed that Odoh had never been employed by the university or held a tenured professorship there.
Abubakar also alleged that documents Odoh presented to support his claims were fraudulently obtained.
According to Abubakar, Odoh was never formally hired by FUGUS, and he never completed the required documentation or duties to be considered a member of the academic staff.
Abubakar also disputed the legitimacy of the letters of appointment and promotion to the rank of professor that Odoh had presented, claiming they were products of administrative fraud carried out in collaboration with FUGUS’s former vice-chancellor and registrar.
In response, Odoh has vehemently denied the allegations.
He stated that he was indeed promoted to the rank of professor and that the promotion followed a legitimate and thorough assessment process conducted by three assessors.
Odoh identified two assessors who are still active and willing to testify to the legitimacy of the process: Professors P.O. Okeke, formerly of UNIZIK, and Isaac Aiyegbogun of Edo State University, Ekpoma.
To further solidify his position, Odoh referenced affidavits filed by the two professors in separate High Court cases in Enugu and Ekpoma, attesting to the authenticity of the promotion process and supporting his claims.
He added that these documents, which have already been certified by the court, would be presented during the litigation process.
Odoh also pointed to his staff number, SP. 048, as proof of his employment at FUGUS, reiterating that he was properly captured and enrolled in the university’s records.
