In a move that underscores the ongoing leadership turmoil at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), the embattled Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles O. Odoh, has issued a directive mandating all university staff to attend his first official meeting with the university community. The meeting, which will be held later this week, comes amid mounting concerns over the leadership vacuum and escalating tensions between the administration and various factions within the institution.
Professor Odoh, who has faced considerable opposition since his appointment, seeks to address ongoing challenges, including a series of protests by staff and students, allegations of administrative inefficiency, and a perceived breakdown in communication within the university's leadership. While the Vice-Chancellor has made a commitment to "rebuild trust and transparency," critics have questioned whether this meeting will be enough to resolve the deep-seated divisions currently affecting the university.
In a statement released today, Odoh urged staff to attend the meeting in person, stressing that it would be an opportunity to foster "open dialogue" and chart a course for the future of UNIZIK. "This meeting is crucial in these challenging times. We must work together to restore our esteemed institution to its rightful place of excellence," he said.
The directive has sparked mixed reactions from faculty, staff, and student unions, many of whom have expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of the meeting in resolving the crisis. Some staff members have criticized the mandatory attendance, citing concerns over the Vice-Chancellor's leadership style and management approach. Others have voiced hopes that the meeting could serve as a first step toward healing the rift that has plagued the university in recent months.
The leadership crisis at UNIZIK began when Professor Odoh’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor was met with significant opposition from various stakeholders, including academic staff unions and student groups. Allegations of favoritism, poor management, and lack of consultation in key decision-making processes have fueled growing discontent among the university's internal community