The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has queried the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, over what the ministry described as the irregular appointment of 24 aides in his office.
In a memo dated June 25, 2026, and signed by the Acting Director of University Education, Dr Kareem Olalekan, on behalf of the minister, Alausa directed the Vice-Chancellor to immediately reverse the appointments and submit documentary evidence confirming compliance.
According to the ministry, the directive followed a review of an internal university memorandum dated June 22, through which the appointments were reportedly made.
“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Education has been drawn to your Memorandum Ref. No. FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4 dated 22 June 2026 concerning the appointment of twenty-four (24) aides in various capacities within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor,” the memo stated.
The minister maintained that the appointments were inconsistent with the regulations guiding the administration of federal universities.
The memo read in part: “Upon careful consideration of the contents of the memorandum and the circumstances surrounding the appointments, 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The ministry further directed that the appointments be withdrawn immediately and proof of compliance forwarded without delay.
A copy of the correspondence was also sent to the National Universities Commission.
In addition, Dozie has been invited to appear before officials of the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, June 29, for discussions on the appointments and other issues relating to institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process and compliance with the regulatory framework for federal universities.
“The Ministry remains committed to promoting transparency, prudence, and best practices in the management of our tertiary institutions and trusts that this matter will receive your prompt attention and cooperation,” the memo added.
Prof. Dozie, a professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, assumed office as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of FUTO on June 19, succeeding Prof. Nnenna Oti at the end of her five-year tenure.
Before his appointment, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ideato North, Imo State.
Credit: TheCable
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