FG Orders FUTO VC to Revoke 24 Aide Appointments Over Due Process Violations

Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting 

A confidential directive from the Federal Ministry of Education has exposed a major Federal Government clampdown at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), with the Vice-Chancellor ordered to instantly revoke the hiring of 24 aides in his office over alleged due process violations.

A letter dated 25th June 2026, obtained by our correspondent and signed by Dr Kareem O.L., Acting Director of University Education for the Minister of Education, reveals that the ministry reviewed an internal FUTO memo from 22nd June 2026 that announced the 24 appointments.

The ministry described the hires as “irregular” and “at variance with extant regulations, established procedures, and the principles of due process governing appointments within the Federal University System”, ruling them inconsistent with rules guiding federal universities.

Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor has been ordered to withdraw all 24 appointments “forthwith” and submit documentary proof of compliance without delay.

The VC has also been summoned to Abuja for an urgent meeting with ministry officials on 29th June 2026. The agenda extends beyond the aides and includes institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and compliance with the regulatory framework for federal universities.

A copy of the letter was sent to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Observers say the move signals how seriously the Federal Government is treating the issue and what it could mean for university governance nationwide.

The intervention marks an unusually strong federal intervention in FUTO, one of Nigeria’s premier technology universities, and has reignited debate on governance standards in federal tertiary institutions.

The letter stressed that “the Ministry remains committed to promoting transparency, prudence and best practices in the management of our tertiary institutions” and expressed confidence that FUTO would comply.

As of press time, FUTO management and the Federal Ministry of Education had not issued any public comment.

Academic stakeholders now await the 29th June meeting, with attention fixed on its outcome and the implications for administrative discretion and accountability across federal universities.