By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A cross section of students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU or UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra State, on Monday called on Federal Government to fully implement the judgment of the National Industrial Court ordering reinstatement of Prof Bernard Odoh as Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Recall that Odoh was sacked as UNIZIK vice Chancellor in November 2024 after the Federal government dissolved the governing council due to alleged procedural violations in his appointment.

He however challenged the removal legally, claiming it was improper and unconstitutional.

Making the call in Awka, President of Nigerian Students and Youth Association, Unizik Chapter, Chisom Nwangwu, enjoined the Minister of Education to take action in reinstating the VC In strict compliance with the court’s ruling without further delay.

He observed that Odoh was removed from office by the Federal Ministry of Education following allegations by some of his opponents that he was not a professor and was therefore unqualified to occupy the position.

While noting that the court has since affirmed that Professor Odoh was duly promoted to the rank of Professor in 2015 and consequently ordered that all his rights, entitlements, and privileges be fully restored, he added,

“Respect for court judgments is fundamental to nation-building and must not be treated as optional. Nigerians must learn to obey court orders if the country is to build a society firmly rooted in the rule of law.

“Continued failure to implement the court’s ruling, particularly where the office of the Vice-Chancellor was never vacant in any legal or practical sense sets dangerous precedent.

“This persistent disregard for a valid court order undermines democratic values and sends the wrong signal to citizens. Such actions should not be allowed to define us as a people or as a democratic society.

“Odoh is the first alumnus of the university to be appointed Vice-Chancellor. His removal is regrettable and driven by malicious claims intended to frustrate a young academic with clear and progressive vision for the overall development of the University.”

Nwangwu however pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure full compliance with the court’s judgment, noting that his administration is founded on principles of justice, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

The President of Nigerian Students, UNIZIK chapter, stressed that such an intervention will reaffirm public confidence in democratic institutions and further reassure young Nigerians that justice, fairness and equality before the law remains an attainable feat in Nigeria.