*Orders immediate reversal
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has queried the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, over alleged irregular appointment of 24 aides, directing him to immediately reverse the appointments and provide evidence of compliance.
The directive was conveyed in a memo dated June 25th, 2026, and signed by Kareem O.L, Acting Director of University Education, Federal Ministry of Education, on behalf of the minister.
According to the directive, the minister described the appointments as “irregular and inconsistent with regulations governing federal universities in Nigeria”.
The memo noted that the ministry’s attention had been drawn to a university memorandum referenced FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4 and dated June 22nd, 2026, which reportedly announced the appointment of 24 aides in various capacities within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
“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 (copy attached) concerning the appointment of twenty-four (24) aides in various capacities within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor,” the memo stated.
Alausa explained that the directive followed a review of the internal university memo through which the appointments were reportedly made.
According to the minister, the appointments were found to be inconsistent with the rules guiding the administration of federal universities.
Alausa observed that the appointments were “at variance with the extant regulations, established procedures, and the principles of due process governing appointments within the Federal University System.”
Consequently, the minister directed the reversal without any delay.
The communication was also copied to the National Universities Commission (NUC), emphasising the seriousness of the matter.
In addition, the ministry summoned the Vice-Chancellor to be at the ministry further discussions on issues relating to governance and accountability at the institution.
“Furthermore, I am directed to invite you to the Ministry on Monday, 29th June 2026, for further engagement on this matter and other related issues touching on institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and strict adherence to the regulatory framework governing the administration of Federal Universities in Nigeria.
“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,” it stated.
A professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Prof. Dozie resumed office on June 19th, 2026, as the 9th Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, succeeding Prof. Nnenna Oti, who completed her five-year tenure.
Before his appointment at FUTO, Dozie served as the Vice-Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Ideato-North Local Government Area, Imo State.
