Drama is unfolding at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, as students ramp up pressure on the Federal Government to bring back Professor Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor. This comes after a court ruling in Odoh’s favour, but the government seems to be dragging its feet, sparking outrage and protests from the student body.

The saga began when the university’s Governing Council, led by Pro-Chancellor Greg Mbadiwe, appointed Odoh as the seventh Vice-Chancellor after what was described as a “rigorous” selection process. But the celebration was short-lived. The Federal Government swooped in, dissolved the council, and sacked both Odoh and the Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike, citing “irregularities” in the appointment process. The government questioned Odoh’s credentials and the council’s adherence to due process, but critics say this was just a smokescreen for internal politics.

Odoh didn’t take the dismissal lying down. He went to the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which ruled in his favour, confirming his status as a full professor since 2015. The court even ordered the government to pay him N5 million in damages and demanded a public apology. Yet, the Federal Ministry of Education has ignored the court’s orders, fueling suspicions of a deliberate power play.

Student leaders, led by Chisom Nwangwu of the Nigerian Students and Youth Association, UNIZIK chapter, are now taking their fight to the media. Nwangwu accused Odoh’s “detractors” within the university of orchestrating his removal and slammed the government for ignoring the court’s clear directive. According to Nwangwu, the allegations against Odoh were baseless and politically motivated.

“The court has spoken, but the government refuses to listen,” Nwangwu declared, calling for Odoh’s immediate reinstatement. He warned that the government’s refusal to comply with the court order is a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law, and could set a dangerous precedent for the country.

Students are also playing up Odoh’s status as the first UNIZIK alumnus to become Vice-Chancellor, painting his removal as a blow to the university’s legacy and a calculated move to frustrate a promising academic leader. They have appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, reminding him of his administration’s supposed commitment to justice and fairness.

“President Tinubu must act now,” the students insisted, claiming that only his intervention can restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy and legal system. They argue that the government’s inaction is sending the wrong message to young Nigerians about justice and equality.

This high-profile standoff has put the spotlight on the Federal Government’s willingness,or lack thereof,to respect court decisions and uphold transparency in the education sector. Observers are watching closely, with many saying this is a crucial test of the government’s credibility.