Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo Appoints Acting VC Amid Controversy
Featured image: FUHSO Ag. VC, Prof. Ediga Agbo
The Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUHSO) has appointed Professor Ediga Agbo as acting Vice Chancellor, replacing suspended substantive VC, Professor Innocent Ujah.
The decision was made during the council’s emergency meeting on October 17, 2024, chaired by Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami.
Prof. Ujah’s suspension stemmed from alleged gross misconduct and disregard for the council’s authority according to a statement by Mr James Onogwu, the Coordinator, Information, Publication and Public Relations of FUHSO for the Registrar.
The statement added that Prof. Agbo, a renowned microbiologist from Otukpo Local Government, Benue State, assumed duty as acting VC for six months.
However, Concerned Idoma Unity Forum challenged the suspension, citing non-adherence to the University Act’s guidelines for removing a substantive VC. The group’s chairman, Mr. Agada Johnson, emphasized that due process requires consultation with the Council, Senate and Minister of Education, as stipulated in Section 2AAA of the University Act (2003). Agada pointed out that the VC was on an assignment in foreign country when he was suspended by the governing council with fair hearing, a development he described an injustice.
“We are seeing a serious fault line which has to be corrected because an injustice done to one is an injustice done to all. Why was the VC suspended without giving opportunity to defend himself and was indeed far away in South Korea on a national delegation?”, he asked.
While acknowledging Prof. Agbo’s qualifications, the group urges correction of these procedural flaws to prevent disillusionment among stakeholders. The Concerned Idoma Unity Forum commended Prof. Ujah’s dedication to establishing the medical university.
