FUHSO: Why we suspended Prof Ujah as Otukpo varsity Vice Chancellor – Governing Council

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, has explained why it suspended Prof. Innocent A.O. Ujah, as the university’s Vice Chancellor, citing serious governance concerns and procedural non-compliance.

According to them, this decision aims to uphold university standards and ensure administrative stability.
In a letter addressed to the Honourable Minister of Education, Engr Ohieku Mohammed Salami, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Coouncil outlined the key reasons for the suspension, emphasizing Prof. Ujah’s failure to respond to official communications and a disregard for established protocols.

The letter reads below;

This decision, based on serious governance concerns and procedural non-compliance, was taken to uphold university standards and ensure administrative stability.

See letter No. 2 and 3 The Council had previously issued a notice of retirement to Prof. Ujah, communicated through multiple letters, including a formal notice dated 30th September 2024. Despite a 48-hour response requirement, Prof. Ujah failed to respond, demonstrating a disregard for Council protocol and undermining the procedural integrity of the Vice-Chancellor’s office. See letter No.1

Key Reasons for Suspension
1. Failure to Respond to Official Correspondence: Prof. Ujah did not acknowledge or respond to the Council’s formal communications, signaling non-compliance with standard procedures.
(See letter Nos. 1, 4, and 5 )
2. Unauthorized Appointment of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration): Prof. Ujah appointed a Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) without Council approval and introduced him to the student body during a matriculation ceremony.

This breach of protocol disregards the Council’s authority and compromises the university’s governance framework.

3. Absence from Council Meetings without Notice: Prof. Ujah was absent from a scheduled Council meeting on 17th October 2024 without prior notice or explanation, obstructing the Council’s decision-malcing processes.
Although he submitted a memo stating his absence from 6th to 16th October, his non-attendance on the 17th was unexpected. (See letter No. 6.)