UNVEILING THE TRUTH: REGISTRAR’S ALLEGATIONS, A DIRECT ATTACK ON INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY
The recent unfounded allegations by the Registrar of the Federal University Gusau against Professor
Bernard Odoh have left a sour taste in the mouths of many Nigerians who hold the academic integrity of our
institutions dear. It is both shocking and disheartening that a high-ranking official of a federal university
would make such incendiary claims without due regard for truth, justice, or the damaging ripple effects on
the Nigerian educational system.
As a concerned non-governmental organization dedicated to the intricate affairs of our dear nation, we at
Youth Health and Social Reforms, YOHESOR-NGO are deeply troubled by the recent statements made by
the Registrar alleging that the appointment and employment of Professor Odoh were products of fraudulent
arrangements with the former Vice-Chancellor of the institution. These allegations are not only baseless but
constitute a direct affront to the integrity of Nigerian higher education and the reputation of the university in
question.
After conducting a thorough independent investigation, YOHESOR has unearthed irrefutable evidence and
documents which categorically affirm the legitimacy of Professor Odoh’s appointment, promotion, and
subsequent activities within and beyond the university, therefore laying bare the inaccuracies and
recklessness of the Registrar’s statement. These documents include:
1. Lawful Employment
Professor Odoh was lawfully employed by the Federal University Gusau and taught in the Department of
Geological Sciences. His engagement was in line with all necessary recruitment/employment protocols of a
federal institution.
2. Promotion to the Rank of Professor
Following a transparent and rigorous process, Professor Odoh was promoted to the rank of professor. His
promotion was based on evaluations by three distinguished external assessors, all esteemed professors
from reputable Nigerian universities. Their unanimous recommendations attested to his scholarly
contributions and eligibility for the rank.
3. Service to Ebonyi State Government
After his promotion, Professor Odoh applied for and was granted a leave of absence by the Federal
University Gusau. This leave allowed him to serve his home state, Ebonyi, in the capacity of Secretary to
the Government of Ebonyi state. This trajectory is a testament to his outstanding qualifications and
commitment to public service, not a marker of wrongdoing.
4.
Salary Payments
There are verified bank statements and payment records evidencing that the university consistently paid
salaries into Professor Odoh’s account as recently as 2015, clearly indicating an ongoing employment
relationship during the alleged period. These payments underscore an established employer-employee
relationship and dismantle any claims of fraudulent employment.
QUESTIONS OF INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN OUR FEDERAL INSTITUTIONS
The Registrar’s allegations raise critical and troubling questions about the integrity and credibility of the
Federal University Gusau and, by extension, Nigeria’s higher education system. We are compelled to query/
pose the following pressing questions:
1. Is the Registrar in Anyway Impugning the Integrity of our Institutions?
By asserting that Professor Odoh’s appointment was fraudulent, is the Registrar insinuating that the Federal
University Gusau operates a corrupt employment system? Such a claim not only maligns the institution but
casts a shadow of doubt on the integrity of higher education institutions across Nigeria. The implications are
far-reaching, undermining public confidence in the management of these institutions, the credibility of their
graduates, and the reputation of our nation as a whole.
2. How Does the Registrar Explain Salary Payments to a ‘Non-Employee’?
If, as alleged, Professor Odoh’s employment was indeed fraudulent, how does the university justify its
consistent salary disbursements to Professor Odoh? Is the Registrar in any way implying that the
university’s Bursary Department operates without oversight, arbitrarily paying individuals without valid
employment records? Such a claim indicts the university’s financial management and raises the specter of
institutional failure on multiple levels. It also points to a grave lapse in financial accountability and raises the
issue of systemic corruption within the institution. Such a scenario demands an urgent and thorough
investigation into the bursary operations and budgetary practices of our universities.
FAR-BEARING CONSEQUENCES OF IRRESPONSIBLE ALLEGATIONS
The Registrar’s reckless statements are not merely defamatory but carry the potential to erode trust in our
nation’s academic institutions and their consequences cannot be overstated. Such baseless allegations do
not only tarnish the reputation of Professor Odoh, a man who has served with distinction, but they also
erode the credibility of an already embattled Nigerian educational system, jeopardizing the credibility of
Nigerian academia as a whole. In a country where public trust in institutions is already fragile, such
unfounded claims erode confidence in the fairness and transparency of our education system.
By recklessly questioning the legitimacy of Professor Odoh’s employment, the Registrar inadvertently casts
doubt on the processes that govern the university itself. This is a dangerous precedent, one that risks
undermining the integrity of hardworking scholars, administrators, and graduates nationwide. All in the name
of what? one may ask. Given the overwhelming evidence supporting Professor Odoh’s lawful employment,
promotion, and service, the Registrar’s statements appear to be a deliberate attempt to malign his character
and distract from other pressing issues within the institution, thereby igniting fire where there is none. These
allegations, therefore, appear to be nothing more than a malicious attempt to undermine his professional
reputation, the integrity of the Federal University Gusau, as well as our Nigerian educational system as a whole.
This issue transcends Professor Odoh. It is about preserving the sanctity of our educational system. The damage caused by these reckless accusations extends beyond one man’s reputation; it calls into question the credibility of Nigeria’s universities and the futures of their graduates. It therefore becomes pertinent for the Federal University Gusau to issue a statement clarifying these disturbing issues.
At YOHESOR-NGO, we stand resolute in defending truth and justice, and we will continue to advocate for the credibility of our institutions and the professionals who contribute to their advancement. This issue is not just about Professor Odoh. It is about protecting the future of higher education in Nigeria and the reputation of our beloved country. We therefore call/urge for a thorough investigation to be carried out into the affairs of the institution. We opine that all parties involved be invited by the relevant authorities for immediate questioning and investigations.
Signed,
YOHESOR-NGO,
22nd November, 2024
