THE Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has queried the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Professor Ikechukwu Dozie, over the alleged irregular appointment of 24 aides in his office, directing him to immediately reverse the appointments and provide evidence of compliance.
News Point Nigeria reports that the directive was conveyed in a memo dated June 25, 2026, and signed by Kareem O.L., Acting Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, on behalf of the minister.
According to the correspondence obtained by News Point Nigeria on Thursday, the minister described the appointments as irregular and inconsistent with regulations governing federal universities in Nigeria.
The memo stated that the ministry’s attention had been drawn to a university memorandum referenced FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4 and dated June 22, 2026, which reportedly announced the appointment of 24 aides in various capacities within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Education has been drawn to your Memorandum Ref. No. FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4 dated 22 June 2026 (copy attached) concerning the appointment of twenty-four (24) aides in various capacities within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor,” the memo read.
Alausa explained that the directive followed a review of the internal university memorandum through which the appointments were reportedly made.
According to the minister, the appointments were found to be inconsistent with the rules guiding the administration of federal universities.
He observed that the appointments were “at variance with the extant regulations, established procedures, and the principles of due process governing appointments within the Federal University System.”
Consequently, the minister directed the vice-chancellor to reverse the appointments forthwith and submit evidence showing that the directive had been complied with without delay.
A copy of the communication was also forwarded to the National Universities Commission (NUC), underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
Beyond the directive to reverse the appointments, the ministry also summoned the vice-chancellor for further discussions on issues relating to governance and accountability within the institution.
“Furthermore, I am directed to invite you to the Ministry on Monday, 29 June 2026, for further engagement on this matter and other related issues touching on institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and strict adherence to the regulatory framework governing the administration of Federal Universities in Nigeria,” the document added.
“The Ministry remains committed to promoting transparency, prudence, and best practices in the management of our tertiary institutions and trusts that this matter will receive your prompt attention and cooperation.”
Professor Dozie, a professor of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, assumed office on June 19, 2026, as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, succeeding Professor Nnenna Oti, who completed her five-year tenure.
Before his appointment at FUTO, Dozie served as the Vice-Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU), Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.