By Tony Okafor
The scandal at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, now infamously known as the ODOHGATE, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s academic community.
At its core, the controversy revolves around Dr. Bernard Odoh’s claim of being a professor at the Federal University Gusau, which has been unequivocally debunked by the university itself.
The lessons from this saga are multifaceted. Firstly, it highlights the dangers of academic dishonesty and the importance of rigorous background checks.
Dr. Odoh’s fake professorship and his attempts to legitimize it through forged documents demonstrate Nigeria’s worship and preference for paper qualifications above competence.
Secondly, the ODOHGATE scandal exposes the flaws in Nigeria’s academic system, where personal connections and clout often trump merit.
The fact that Dr. Odoh was able to deceive many, including some clergy members who prayed for him during his inauguration, is a testament to the pervasive influence of nepotism and cronyism.
Thirdly, the incident underscores the importance of a free and independent press. Journalists who failed to scrutinize Dr. Odoh’s claims are complicit in perpetuating the scam.
Fourthly, the ODOHGATE scandal serves as a reminder that power and influence can be used to silence critics and perpetuate injustice.
The deployment of three truckloads of soldiers and policemen to the university to facilitate Dr. Odoh’s appointment is a chilling example of how power can be abused to achieve selfish ends.
Fifthly, the endorsement of Odoh by purported 500 members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities( ASUU) without background checks is a crass demonstration of ignorance and sycophancy in the academia in modern times.
The ODOHGATE scandal is a wake-up call for Nigeria’s academic community to demand greater transparency, accountability, and meritocracy in academic appointments.
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu deserves commendation for taking a decisive action on the matter, offering hope in the dark tunnel.
We salute the doggedness of the ASUU leadership of the university who insisted that the right things be done.
Those who threw up clannish sentiments as one of the reasons for resisting Odoh from becoming the Vice Chancellor of the university should now bury their heads in shame, while the draconian emperor in the whole drama should retire home and nurse his self-inflicted wound.
As the dust settles on the ODOHGATE scandal, one thing is clear: the fight against academic dishonesty and corruption is far from over.
Only through collective action can we reclaim the integrity of our academic institutions and restore the values of honesty, hard work, and excellence.
Furthermore, we call on the law enforcement agencies to take immediate action on this matter and thoroughly investigate the ODOHGATE scandal, bringing those found culpable to justice
