Education minister queries FUTO VC over appointment of 24 aides

MINISTER of Education, Tunji Alausa, has directed the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Ikechukwu Dozie, to explain the appointment of 24 aides in his office, describing the action as inconsistent with established regulations governing federal universities.

In a memo dated June 25, 2026, the minister instructed Dozie to immediately reverse the appointments and submit evidence that the directive had been carried out. The letter was signed by Acting Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Kareem O.L. on behalf of the minister.

The ministry said the appointments failed to comply with the procedures and due process required for appointments within Nigeria’s federal university system.

The memo stated that the ministry’s attention had been drawn to FUTO Memorandum Ref. No. FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4 dated June 22, 2026, through which the vice-chancellor reportedly appointed 24 aides to serve in different capacities within his office.

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Following its review of the internal university memo, the ministry concluded that the appointments were at variance with existing regulations and directed the vice-chancellor to withdraw them without delay.

The communication was also copied to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The ministry further directed Dozie to appear before officials on Monday, June 29, 2026, for discussions on the appointments and broader issues relating to institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and compliance with the regulatory framework for federal universities.

The memo added that the Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to promoting transparency, prudent management, and best practices across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, expressing confidence that the vice-chancellor would comply promptly with the directive.

Dozie, a professor of medical microbiology and parasitology, assumed office as FUTO’s ninth vice-chancellor on June 19, succeeding Nnenna Oti after the completion of her five-year tenure.

Before his appointment at FUTO, he served as the vice-chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University (KOMU) in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.