Isaac Samuel
The Federal Government has directed the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Nnenna Oti, to immediately withdraw the appointment of 24 aides in her office, declaring that the appointments contravene extant regulations and due process governing Nigeria’s federal university system.
The directive was conveyed in a letter dated June 25, 2026, signed by the Acting Director of University Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Kareem O. L., on behalf of the Minister of Education.
The letter, referenced FME/HE/SFU/16A/Vol.IV/470, was addressed to the Vice-Chancellor and copied to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to the ministry, the Minister’s attention had been drawn to a memorandum dated June 22, 2026, with reference number FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4, concerning the appointment of 24 aides in various capacities within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
Following what it described as a careful review of the memorandum and the circumstances surrounding the appointments, the ministry concluded that the exercise did not comply with the rules guiding appointments in federal universities.
“The Honourable Minister is constrained to observe that the appointments, as presently constituted, are irregular and are at variance with the extant regulations, established procedures, and the principles of due process governing appointments within the Federal University System,” the letter stated.
Consequently, the ministry directed the Vice-Chancellor to withdraw the appointments immediately and forward documentary evidence confirming their withdrawal to the ministry without delay.
“In light of the foregoing, I am directed to request that the said memorandum be withdrawn forthwith and that documentary evidence confirming the withdrawal be forwarded to the Ministry without delay in compliance with the directive of the Honourable Minister,” the letter added.
The ministry also invited the Vice-Chancellor to its headquarters on Monday, June 29, 2026, for further engagement on the issue and other matters relating to the administration of the institution.
It said the meeting would focus on institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and strict adherence to the regulatory framework governing the administration of federal universities in Nigeria.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, prudence and best practices in the management of tertiary institutions, expressing confidence that the university would accord the directive prompt attention.
