The dissolution of the university’s governing council followed allegations that it had unlawfully appointed an “unqualified Vice-Chancellor without due process,” with claims that Odoh was not a full professor.

In response, Odoh approached the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which ruled in his favour, affirming his academic status as a Professor and dismissing allegations from certain quarters in Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) and the Federal University of Gusau that he was not a full professor.

The court also awarded ₦5 million in damages against the Federal Government, to be paid to Odoh, and ordered the university to issue a public apology to him on national media platforms.

Reacting to the judgment while addressing journalists in Awka on Monday, the President of the Nigerian Students and Youth Association, UNIZIK chapter, Chisom Nwangwu, called on the Minister of Education, Dr Morufu Alausa, to immediately reinstate Odoh in compliance with the court’s ruling.

Nwangwu, who spoke alongside other students, stated 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 hold the position of Vice-Chancellor.

“Now that the court has unequivocally affirmed that Odoh was duly promoted to the rank of Professor in 2015 and has ordered the full restoration of all his rights, entitlements, and privileges, students are calling on the Federal Government to reinstate him as Vice-Chancellor of the university,” he said.

He stressed that respect for court judgments is essential to nation-building and must not be treated as optional, warning that the continued failure to implement the ruling sets a dangerous precedent.

“The persistent disregard for a valid court order undermines democratic values and sends the wrong signal to citizens. Such actions must not be allowed to define us as a people or as a democratic society,” Nwangwu added.

He further noted that Odoh is the first alumnus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University to be appointed Vice-Chancellor, describing his removal as unfortunate and driven by malicious claims aimed at frustrating a young academic with a progressive vision for the institution’s development.

The students also appealed to President Bola Tinubu, emphasising that his administration is anchored on justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law, and urged him to intervene to ensure full compliance with the court’s judgment.

According to them, such intervention would restore public confidence in democratic institutions and reassure young Nigerians that justice, fairness, and equality before the law remain achievable in the country.