FUHSO and the Cost of Governing Without Foresight

Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, speaking at a podium while addressing an audience.

The crisis at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo exposes the cost of establishing critical institutions without adequate planning, funding discipline, and accountability, leaving medical students and Nigeria’s health system at risk.

FG Shakes Up FUHSO Management, Sacks VC, Registrar

 In a significant shake-up at the Federal University of Health Sciences (FUHSO) in Otukpo, Benue State, the Federal Ministry of Education has announced the removal of key officials following protracted power tussle. In a letter dated November 18, 2024, President Tinubu approved the immediate removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.  Additionally, Prof. Ediga B. Agbo and Mallam Aminu Abba have been removed from their positions as Acting Vice Chancellor and Registrar, respectively. As part of the restructuring, the Governing Council is now directed to elect one of its external members to serve as the Acting Chairman of the Council until a permanent appointment is made.  Furthermore, the University Senate has been asked to nominate the most senior Deputy Vice Chancellor for approval as the Acting Vice Chancellor, with immediate effect.  Similarly, the Council is tasked with appointing the most senior Deputy Registrar as the Acting Registrar. The changes come as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the smooth operation and governance of the institution.  The Ministry has expressed confidence that these adjustments will help stabilize the university and maintain its focus on academic excellence. Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of Education, has conveyed these directives to the Governing Council and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the growth and success of the institution. The university community and stakeholders await further developments as these new appointments take effect.

Tinubu Reshuffles University Leadership Over Alleged Irregularities

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a leadership overhaul at two federal universities following allegations of irregularities in appointments and governance.   At Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, the President removed Vice Chancellor Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, Registrar Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike, and dissolved the institution’s Governing Council.  The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, was accused of appointing an underqualified vice chancellor without adhering to procedural guidelines.  Reports suggest that the council’s actions sparked tensions between the university’s Senate and its management.   Similarly, Tinubu dismissed Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.  Salami faced allegations of misconduct, including the unlawful suspension of the Vice Chancellor and threats directed at officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, despite warnings to reverse his actions.   The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining adherence to laws governing educational institutions, urging university councils to focus on fostering stability and upholding standards in their operations.

Stop the in-fighting at FUHSO

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.