A Professor of Geophysics, Department of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,
Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh has been appointed as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe made the appointment at the Council Chambers of the University after a rigorous selection process and interview of the 18 applicants for the position.
Prof Odoh scored the 1st position from the pool of the applicants for the plum job of the University Chief Executive based on his evidence-based significant experience in University Teaching, Research and Administration.
Handing over the appointment letter to Prof. Odoh on Tuesday, Amb Mbadiwe said the appointment is in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities, Miscellaneous, Provisions (Amended) Act 2007.
“Your Appointment is for a period of five years, effective Tuesday, 29th October 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities” the letter stated.
In his acceptance speech, Prof Odoh appreciated members of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor’s Selection Team for finding him worthy for the important assignment.
He promised to take the university to greater heights and improve all facets of the university.
“I’m the first alumni of this university to be appointed to this position. I have my first, second and third degrees here so I understand our challenges. Let me assure every one of us, I know there are prejudices and concerns but you are going to judge me by performances not on hearsay. I will serve you well and our university will make progress” he said.
Born on 5th August 1975, Odoh hails from Ezza North LGA, Ebonyi State.
He was a member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Senate from 2010 to 2014 and also served as Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor (Academic Matters I)/Coordinator UTME Exercise, 10th June 2014 to Oct. 2014.
He was assessed and appointed as a Professor at Federal University Gusau, 2015.
Odoh an Emeritus Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Ebonyi State has over 120 research publications published in reputable International Journals, e-Books and Monographs to his credit.
He returned to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2019 after resigning from his position as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government.
Prof Odoh was a Board Member Nnamdi Azikiwe University Confucius Institute and also Member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Admission and Examination Monitoring Committee.
He had also served as Director of Center for Water Resources Capacity Building Network for the Southeast Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, 16th August 2010 – Oct 2014 as well as Coordinator of UNIZIK Seismic Observatory Station, June 29th, 2010- Oct 2014
He was a Delegate in Higher Education Administration seminar for Anglophone African Countries in three major provinces of China 19th October and 7th November, 2013 sponsored by Chinese Ministry of Education
Also Member, NWRI-UNESCO stakeholders committee for the development of M.Sc. Curriculum in Integrated Water Resources Management for Nigerian Universities.
By Ogemdi Ozoemenam, Awka
