Just in: Reinstate FUHSO Prof. Innocent Ujah now, FG orders institution’s Governing Council

By David Odama

The pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health and science, Otukpo in Benue state allegedly suspended by the university governing council has been reinstated.

The suspension of the perceived embattled Vice Chancellor was voided in a letter of reinstatement by the Federal Ministry of Education, dated 1st November, 2024

According to the contents of the letter dated 1st November, 2024, which faulted the undue process by the Governing Council of the University in the suspension of the Pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof.

“The Governing Council, is therefore by this order, directed to reinstate the Pioneer VC immediately, for onward tranquility in the maiden University in Benue South!”, The letter stated

The reinstatement is coming on the heels of the recommendations by the National Universities Commission, NUC.

In a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo, the Ministry expressed regret over the soar relationship between the Council and the Vice Chancellor resulting in the suspension

The Ministry noted in the letter that the suspension was carried out without due regard to the provisions of the Universities Act of 1993.

While blaming both the Council and the Vice Chancellor for being at fault in managing the affairs of the university. It however ordered the reinstatement of Professor Ujah bin order for him to complete his tenure due to end 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 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 letter declared .
“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”, the letter concluded..