The Federal Government has directed the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), to immediately withdraw the appointment of 24 aides in his office, citing violations of due process and established regulations governing federal universities.
The directive, contained in a letter issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and dated June 25, 2026, followed a review of an internal university memorandum through which the appointments were reportedly made.
In the correspondence, signed by the Acting Director of University Education, Dr. Kareem O. L., on behalf of the Minister of Education, the Ministry stated that a careful assessment of the appointments revealed significant departures from extant regulations, approved procedures and the principles of accountability guiding appointments within Nigeria’s federal university system.
According to the Ministry, the appointments were found to be inconsistent with established administrative processes and therefore could not be allowed to stand.
Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor was directed to withdraw the appointments with immediate effect and furnish the Ministry with documentary evidence of compliance without delay.
The Minister noted that the Federal Government remains committed to upholding transparency, prudence and strict adherence to due process in the administration of tertiary institutions across the country.
Beyond the directive to reverse the appointments, the Ministry also summoned the Vice-Chancellor to an urgent meeting in Abuja on June 29, 2026.
The meeting, according to the letter, will provide an opportunity to discuss broader issues relating to institutional governance, administrative accountability, compliance with regulatory frameworks and adherence to established procedures within the university system.
The development signals the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen oversight of federal tertiary institutions and ensure that university administrations operate within the bounds of extant laws and regulations.
A copy of the directive was also forwarded to the National Universities Commission (NUC), underscoring the seriousness attached to the matter and the importance of maintaining sound governance standards in higher education institutions.
The Ministry expressed confidence that the university would comply fully with the directive, reiterating its commitment to promoting best practices and accountability across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
As of press time, the management of FUTO had not issued an official response to the directive.
However, the development is expected to generate significant interest within academic and policy circles, particularly regarding governance, administrative discretion and regulatory compliance in the nation’s federal universities.
