The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, chaired by Pro-Chancellor Amb. Greg Mbadiwe has appointed Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the seventh substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
Professor Odoh, a distinguished academic in the field of Geophysics, is affiliated with the Department of Applied Geophysics within the Faculty of Physical Sciences at the University.
Amb. Greg Mbadiwe announced this appointment during a formal session at the Council Chambers on Tuesday, following a comprehensive selection process involving interviews with 18 candidates.
He emphasized that Professor Odoh emerged as the top candidate due to his substantial evidence-based experience in university teaching, research, and administration.
This appointment is aligned with the provisions outlined in Section 4 of the First Schedule of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Act CAP 139, LFN 2004, as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act of 2007. The tenure for this appointment is set for five years, beginning on October 29, 2024.
“Your appointment is for five years, commencing on Tuesday, 29th October 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment adhere to the standards approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities,” the official appointment letter states.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Odoh expressed gratitude to the members of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor’s selection team for the trust placed in him for this esteemed position. He assured them of his commitment to enhancing the University across various dimensions.
“I am honored to be the first alumnus of this University to assume this role. Having obtained my undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees here, I possess a deep understanding of our challenges. While I acknowledge existing apprehensions, I request that my performance be the measure by which I am judged, rather than hearsay. I am dedicated to serving this community diligently, and I am confident that our University will make significant progress,” he remarked.