FG intervenes, orders FUHSO VC’s reinstatement
The Federal Ministry of Education has directed the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, to reinstate the suspended Vice Chancellor, Professor Innocent A.O. Ujah.
This is coming on the heels of the recommendations made by the National Universities Commission, NUC.
In a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo, the Ministry expressed regret over the deterioration of the relationship between the Council and the Vice Chancellor, which had led to the suspension. The Ministry noted that the suspension was carried out without adhering to the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1993.
The Ministry further stated that both the Council and the Vice Chancellor were at fault in managing the affairs of the university. It has, therefore, ordered the reinstatement of Professor Ujah to allow him to complete his tenure, which ends on November 6th, 2024.
The Council has also been directed to follow the proper procedures in appointing an Acting Vice Chancellor while the process of appointing a new substantive Vice-Chancellor is underway.
The letter entitled:” RE: SUSPENSION FROM OFFICE AS VICE-CHANCELLORPROF. INNOCENT A.O. UJAH” reads in parts: “I write with respect to your letter to the Ministry dated 31st October 2024 with Ref: FUHSO/AO/01 conveying the report of the meeting of the 2nd Council of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) held on 31st October 2024 on the above subject, following an earlier meeting of the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council and the Vice Chancellor of FUHSO with the Ministry.
“The Ministry regrets the unfortunate deterioration of the official relationship between the 2nd Council of FUHSO with the suspended Vice Chancellor (Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah) which conflict has stunted the smooth running of the University.
“The Ministry has considered the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the Vice Chancellor (Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah) by the 2″ Council of FUHSO. The Ministry notes that the 2nd Council of FUHSO suspended the Vice Chancellor of the University in absentia at its meeting of 17th October 2024 on the ground of insubordination and other allegations and appointed in the stead of the suspended Vice Chancellor, an Acting Vice Chancellor without adhering to the extant Regulations and the mandatory provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended), especially section 3(13) thereof which requires that in the event of vacancy in the office of the Vice Chancellor the Council shall appoint an Acting Vice Chancellor on the recommendation of the Senate. Although it is within the statutory powers of the Council to suspend the Vice Chancellor, the Council is, however, bound to act within the confines of the law and extant rules/regulations.
“The Ministry notes further that both the Vice Chancellor and the 2nd Council of FUHSO were wrong in one way or the other in managing the affairs of FUHSO culminating in the suspension of the Vice Chancellor. This view is also supported by the letter of the National Universities Commission dated 25″ October 2024, which is herewith enclosed for ease of reference.
“In the light of the above, I am to request the 2nd Council of Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo to reinstate the suspended Vice-Chancellor (Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah) to enable the Vice Chancellor to complete his tenure of office that Is due to elapse on 6th November 2024 to restore peace In the academic community of the University.
“1 further request that the 2nd Council of Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo should adhere strictly to the laid down procedure in the extant rules/regulations and law in appointing an Acting Vice Chancellor for the University, while the process of appointment of a new Substantive Vice Chancellor for the University is ongoing. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards,”
In a separate letter signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Mr Chris Maiyaki, after due review of the letters from both the Council and the affected Vice Chancellor, had recommended that; “The Vice-Chancellor should be allowed to remain in office until he attains the mandatory retirement age of 70 years a 6th November 2024 without prejudice to his 5-year tenure of office having failed to retire from service before accepting the tenured appointment.
The Commission also urged the Ministry to consider and approve that the University Governing Council should initiate the process for the appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor in line with Sections 13 (13) and Section 13 (14) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993 (as amended)
The letter also dated 25th October 2024, recommended that the Governing Council should be guided by the need to ensure the neutrality of the person to be appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor and that such a candidate must preferably, be a staff of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo and a leader figure, so as not to polarise the University community.