The federal government has sacked the pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, Ohieku Salami, due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.”
The minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced this yesterday in a press statement.
According to a statement by the director of press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, the decision followed a series of unprofessional actions by Salami, “including the suspension of the vice-chancellor without following the prescribed procedures.”
The statement noted that despite intervention by the education ministry and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Salami refused to comply, resorting to “abusive and threatening behaviour towards the ministry’s directors, including the permanent secretary.
“The honourable minister of education, Dr Tunji Alausa, noted that such conduct undermines the ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.
“In line with this decision, the minister has requested the appointment of a new pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process and accountability.”
In a related development, the government has announced the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, following grave breaches of the university’s laws and disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
The decision comes after it was found that the chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed a vice-chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony.
