Prof Bernard Odoh has emerged as the 7th Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, following his top performance in the selection interview.
Prof Odoh’s emergence was announced by the university’s Governing Council chaired by Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe.
Didactic Information Hut reports that over 18 other candidates vied for the position.
Amb. Mbadiwe who handed over the appointment letter explained that the appointment aligns with Section 4 of the First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe Act CAP 139, LFN 2004, and the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2007. The appointment will be effective for a five-year term, commencing on October 29, 2024, with terms set by the Federal Government.
While giving his acceptance speech, Odoh expressed gratitude to the Governing Council and the selection team for their confidence in him. He said, “I’m the first alumni of this university to hold this position. I earned my first, second, and third degrees here, so I fully understand our challenges. Judge me by my performance, not hearsay. I am here to serve, and our university will advance.”
Professor Odoh is a renowned scholar in Applied Geophysics. He was born on August 5, 1975, in Ezza North, Ebonyi State. He became a professor at the Federal University, Gusau, in 2015 and previously served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Ebonyi State. He returned to UNIZIK in 2019 after resigning from his SSG role.
He has over 120 research publications to his credit, and has also contributed extensively to international journals, e-books, and monographs.