In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal University Gusau has disowned claims that Dr. Bernard Odoh, the recently dismissed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was ever a tenure staff or promoted to professor by their institution.
Reacting to a contentious memo issued by former Registrar Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, Yakubu A. Anivbassa, the current Registrar, dismissed the letter as a product of fraud and administrative manipulation. He stated, “Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi is not and has never been a tenure staff of the Federal University Gusau, let alone being confirmed as a professor by the institution. Whatever claim to the contrary by Dr. Odoh is nothing but the antics of a drowning man.”
The controversy erupted after a 2015 letter, allegedly confirming Dr. Odoh’s promotion to professor, resurfaced with certifications purportedly issued six years after Kaura’s departure from the university. Federal University Gusau has unequivocally declared these certifications illegal, citing violations of Section 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011, which governs the certification of public documents.
The university accused Kaura of issuing false certifications using a forged stamp and impersonating the office of the Registrar. The alleged documents, dated November 8, 2024, were described as an attempt to bolster Dr. Odoh’s credentials in his contested tenure at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
The Registrar elaborated, “A careful perusal of the so-called certified true copies shows they fell short of the legal requirements. Kaura, having left our institution in 2018, had no authority to certify any document on behalf of the university.”
The university’s management characterized Dr. Odoh’s actions as a desperate bid to salvage his position amid growing scrutiny at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. They labeled the documents as part of a subterfuge to bolster his academic and professional standin
While Dr. Odoh has yet to respond publicly to these allegations, the revelations have fueled debates about integrity and due process within Nigeria’s higher education sector. Observers argue that this incident underscores the need for stricter oversight to prevent the manipulation of academic credentials.
The Federal University Gusau concluded its statement with a firm stance: “The management of this institution will not allow its name to be tarnished by fraudulent claims and will pursue all legal avenues to address this matter.”
The unfolding scandal leaves critical questions about the vetting processes for senior academic positions in Nigerian universities and the accountability of those entrusted with leadership roles.
From Opera News by Dansa501
