Breaking: Prof. Odoh Emerges 7th UNIZIK Vice Chancellor

By Praise Chinecherem

The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has appointed Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.

Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics hails from the Department of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences of the University.

Announcing the appointment on Tuesday at the Council Chambers of the University after a rigorous selection process and interview of the 18 applicants for the position, the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe, disclosed that Odoh scored the 1st position from the pool of the applicants for the plum job of the University VC based on his evidence- based significant experience in University Teaching, Research and Administration.

Amb. Mbadiwe while handing over the appointment letter to Prof. Odoh 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 a brief acceptance speech, Prof Odoh thanked members of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor’s Selection Team for finding him worthy for the important assignment. He promised not to let them down and to also work day and night to improve the university in all facets.

“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.

He 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.

He is a Member of various professional bodies including the Society of Exploration Geophysics, Oklahoma USA , American Association of Petroleum Geologist , European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationist and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society .

He is a Lead Research Consultant to Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), 2024.

It would be recalled that the newly appointed Vice Chancellor mentored and led NAU Team to 1st position among 26 African universities and represented the African Region in American Association of Petroleum Geologists Imperial Barrel Award (AAPG IBA) Finals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, 17 and 19th May, 2013 where they took the 5th position on the global arena.

He was also Member of the voluntary visitors-Leadership Program for Newly- Appointed Nigerian Vice-Chancellors in the United States of America; organized by the US Department of State in Collaboration with National Universities Commission (NUC), 13-23rd October, 2010.