The tussle for the leadership of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), if left unchecked may torpedo the growth and development of the young institution that was established barely five years ago.
It is on record that many opposed to the leadership style of the pioneer Vice Chancellor and others that are determined to minimize his role in influencing the choice of a successor, had locked horns in a fight culminating in the suspension of the Vice Chancellor on October 17, 2024, barley three weeks to the end of his tenure, today, November 6th, 2024.
As at late Tuesday night, various narrations state that there are two Acting Vice Chancellors calling the shot in the school. First, there is Professor Agbo Ediga who was appointed on October 17, 2024 by the Governing Council after it suspended the out-going Vice Chancellor, Professor Innocent Ujah on the allegation of acts of insubordination and other offences.
Even though a letter by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo and addressed to the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council ordered the reversal of the suspension of Professor Ujah, the Pro Chancellor insists that as the representative of the President of the Federal Republic, who is the Visitor and Chancellor of the University, the Permanent Secretary can not reverse or counter his decision.
Armed with the reinstatement letter by the Permanent Secretary, the suspended Vice Chancellor Ujah, was reported to have stormed the university yesterday, November 5, and summoned a meeting of the senate which notice, Nigerian Anchor gathered was served on select members of the senate. Following this move, the Pro Chancellor was reported to have mobilised men of the Nigerian Police to seal off the venue. This was however, countered by a troupe of the Nigerian Army that was allegedly invited by the embattled Vice Chancellor.
It is reported that another Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Stephen O. Abah has been announced by the outgoing Vice Chancellor.
Nigerian Anchor sources reveal that a tense atmosphere now prevail on the university campus.
We condemn this unbridled quest for power by all actors and call for cessation of hostilities without further ado.
The university is a citadel of learning and a centre of excellence from where the larger society expects the best conduct at all times. Conducts such as the one unravelling at FUHSO is most shameful and a great embarrassment to the university community, especially the students who, all along had perceived these personalities as role models.
Most affected by this despicable conduct of the characters engaged in this power tussle are the good people of the Idoma nation and the illustrious sons and daughters who laboured and fought to attract this unique Ivory Tower to be located at the heart of the Idoma nation. It is a no brainer emphasizing that this unfortunate incident presents grave reputational cost to the Idoma nation, seeing as most of the dramatis personae are Idoma who should have learnt not to launder their dirty linens in public.
Finally, we call on authorities at the supervising Ministry of Education not to take sides with any of the warring factions but act as a principled arbiter and firmly order that parties sheath the sword and allow peace to reign by acting based on the rule of law and respect for constituted authority.
