Abuja: The Federal Ministry of Education has instructed the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, to cancel the appointment of 24 aides in his office.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the directive was issued in a letter dated June 25, signed by the Acting Director of University Education, Dr. O.L Kareem, on behalf of the ministry. The ministry pointed out that the appointments were inconsistent with the regulations governing federal universities, as they were made following a memorandum from the university on June 22.
The ministry’s assessment of the appointments revealed that the university had not adhered to existing guidelines, procedures, and due process requirements applicable within the federal university system. The letter instructed the vice-chancellor to immediately reverse the appointments and to provide evidence of compliance to the ministry promptly.
Furthermore, the ministry summoned Dozie to a meeting with ministry officials in Abuja on June 29 to discuss the matter. The engagement is set to address issues concerning institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and adherence to regulations guiding the administration of federal universities.
The ministry emphasized its dedication to transparency, prudent management, and adherence to best practices within the nation’s tertiary education sector. Copies of the letter were also sent to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for their information and necessary action.