The Concerned Idoma Unity Forum has voiced its concerns regarding the recent suspension of Prof. Innocent Ujah, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), and the appointment of Prof. Ediga Agbo as acting Vice Chancellor. The Forum argues that the university’s Governing Council did not adhere to established procedures under the University Act for the removal of a substantive Vice Chancellor.
In a press release, Mr. James Onogwu, FUHSO’s Coordinator of Information and Public Relations, confirmed that Prof. Agbo was appointed during a special Governing Council meeting on October 17, 2024, led by Pro-Chancellor Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami. The statement noted that Prof. Ujah was suspended due to alleged gross misconduct and disregard for the Council’s authority.
However, Concerned Idoma Unity Forum Chairman, Mr. Agada Johnson, criticized the decision, stating that the Governing Council’s actions bypassed due process. He referenced Section 2AAA of the University Act (2003), which mandates that a Vice Chancellor’s removal must involve consultation with the Council, Senate, and Minister of Education. Additionally, a proposal for removal should lead to the formation of a joint committee from both the Council and Senate, a step the Forum claims was neglected.