…Decisions attract condemnation, many demand immediate recall of affected staff
The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri community is reeling in shock and outrage, following the Acting Vice Chancellor’s contentious decision to sack sixteen (16) staff members without adhering to established due process. This move has sparked widespread condemnation, with many demanding an immediate reversal of the decision and adherence to laid-down procedures.
Some Staff and Students of the University, who spoke to Hero Express on grounds of anonymity, recently, condemned the action of the management in strong terms, saying that it is done without strict adherence to the rule of law.
One of them said, “Staff and students have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency, fairness, and accountability in the termination process, which allegedly violates the University’s policies and principles of natural justice”.
A senior lecturer, who also did not want his name in print, said, “It is a clear abuse of power and threat to academic freedom. The Acting Vice Chancellor’s actions undermine the university’s reputation and create a culture of fear among staff”.
However, the aggrieved staff accused the management of the University of replacing the sacked staff with relatives of the Acting Vice chancellor, Prof. Stella Lemchi, raising concerns about nepotism and favoritism.
It was equally gathered that the University management has mandated one of the sacked Security officers to vacate his house in one week. The order has attracted wide condemnation, as it was done without considering the current economic harsh weather in the country.
To address the problem, the staff called for Immediate reinstatement of affected staff; total adherence to due process in staff dismissals; transparency in university decision-making; independent investigation into the dismissals and
accountability for any wrongdoing
They also called on the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, and the Governing Council members to intervene and ensure the rule of law is upheld in the newly -approved university.
Expressing regrets over the actions and inactions of the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Lemchi, they said, “Since her appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), staff have expressed concerns about the Acting Vice Chancellor’ policies, which allegedly contradict the Federal Ministry of Education and National University Commission (NUC) guidelines”.
On the appraisal of academic staff, the embattled staff said, “There are harmonized guidelines for appraisal and placement of Academic staff. If they want to demote lecturers, let them use it so that it will be justifiable.
“We are demanding that lecturers should not be demoted for any reason. The upgrade was as a result of our contributions and it should be a blessing not a curse. Other sister universities which were upgraded together with us are not demoting their lecturers, why Alvan?”.
Continuing, they stated, “We are saying that any template used by or that is going to be used by other sister Institutions upgraded together, should be used by Alvan. Alvan should not demote its lecturers. It is not acceptable”.