By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra, Prof. Benard Odoh, has called on the University community to prioritise peace and development in the university.

Addressing a world press conference on Friday in Awka, Anambra State, the Personal Assistant, Media and Publicity to the new VC, Mr Charles Otu, explained that the peace call was on the heels of the Vice Chancellorship stool crisis currently rocking the university.

Otu who read out a written address emphasized that those sponsoring negative media publicity against Prof. Odoh should work with him to move the university forward, prioritizing the university?s interests over personal gains.

He stressed that the press conference was organized to set the record straight regarding Prof. Odoh?s personality, academic credentials, and remarkable achievements.

According to him, some allegations of irregularities in the selection process were unfounded and lacked concrete evidence.

Otu said: ?The race for the seventh substantive Vice Chancellor was concluded on October 29, 2024, with Prof. Odoh emerging on top with 90 points.

?A National Industrial Court in Awka validated the Governing Council?s scoring templates, and the Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council ensured fair hearing, responding to the Medical and Dental Council Association of Nigeria?s concerns.

?Prof. Odoh boasts an impressive academic background, having obtained his Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences in 1999, Master of Science in Applied Geophysics, and Doctorate in Applied Geophysics from NAU in 2008.

?He also served as a visiting Professor of Geophysics at Federal University Gusau in 2014 and became a full Professor of Applied Geophysics in 2015.?

While describing the new VC as a pragmatically ambitious individual who prioritizes the public?s best interest, Otu urged the media practitioners in the state to join the new administration to ensure that the University attained its International best practices.

The VC observed that the sensitive nature of journalism requires the practitioners to be circumspect and discreet in certain issues, even while recognising that the limits and ethics that govern the profession is critical to ensuring that journalists? report are accurate, unbiased, and responsible, especially, issues concerning academic leadership.

He said: ?Journalists should be cautious not to fuel hate or incite violence. It is their responsibility to promote understanding, bring about constructive dialogue, and ensure that the public has access to accurate and unbiased information about Nnamdi Azikiwe University.?

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