Acting VC Protests Unlawful Removal, Sues FUHSO

By Ngbede James

The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Professor Ediga Bede Agbo, has filed a lawsuit against the institution, challenging his purported unlawful removal. Filed at the National Industrial Court, Makurdi, the suit also names the Honorable Minister of Education, the university’s Senate, and its Governing Council as co-defendants.

Professor Agbo, appointed on October 17, 2024, claims that his removal is without justification and is an attempt to appoint Professor Stephen Obekpa Abah, a non-staff member, as the Acting Vice Chancellor.

The academic, through his counsel, Terkaa J. Aondo, SAN, seeks several interlocutory orders, including:
Recognition of Appointment through a directive for the university to maintain his position as Acting Vice Chancellor, with all accompanying rights and privileges, pending the resolution of the case. An injunction preventing the defendants from appointing Professor Abah or any other individual to the Acting Vice Chancellor role during the trial.
Finally, expedited proceedings by requesting for an accelerated hearing of the case to ensure timely resolution.

The claimant’s affidavit outlines critical points of contention which includes, his assertions that his appointment aligns with statutory provisions as the most senior professor at FUHSO.
He challenges the validity of Professor Abah’s earlier appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor, citing a lack of Senate approval.
The affidavit alleges that Professor Abah, still affiliated with Ambrose Alli University and without a formal transfer to FUHSO, does not meet eligibility requirements.

The claimant’s legal team argues that the university’s actions threaten to destabilize academic and administrative operations, undermining due process. Citing precedents such as Kotoye v. CBN (1989) and Azuh v. UBN PLC (2014), they contend that the court must intervene to preserve the status quo.

According to Professor Agbo, the move to replace him jeopardizes his reputation and disrupts university governance. To demonstrate good faith, he has pledged to pay damages if the injunction is deemed unnecessary at the conclusion of the trial.