The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has been urged to sanction the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Abdullahi Ribadu, alongside four other senior officials, over their alleged refusal to comply with a judgment of the National Industrial Court (NIC).

The call was made by Mr Kunle Rotimi, a former staff member of the commission, who accused the NUC leadership of criminal contempt following its failure to implement court orders reinstating him into service and paying all accrued entitlements dating back to March 1996.

Also listed in the contempt proceedings are Deputy Executive Secretary, Mr Chris Maiyaki; Director of Finance, Mrs Hauwa Amos; Director of Human Resources, Mrs Victoria Omorodion; and Deputy Director of Legal Services, Mr Paschal Eruaga.

Justice (Dr) I.J. Essien of the NIC Lagos in suit number NICN/LA/646/2018 had ruled on July 6, 2020, that Mr Rotimi be reinstated and fully compensated.

The NUC appealed against the decision at the Court of Appeal and lost on June 28, 2024.The appellate court in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Folasade Ayodeji Ojo in appeal number CA/LAG/CV/997/2020 upheld the judgment of the National Industrial Court and directed the commission to comply immediately.

However, over one year after the appellate court’s verdict, the NUC is yet to implement the judgment, prompting Mr Rotimi to initiate criminal contempt and committal proceedings against the five officials. He also formally notified the Federal Ministry of Education, urging disciplinary action in line with the Public Service Rules (PSR).

In his petition to the education minister, he cited the relevant provisions of the PSR, which mandate the suspension and interdiction of public officers facing court action.

Rotimi, a former journalist, emphasised that allowing the officials to remain in office while public funds are used to defend acts of contempt and impunity would not only undermine justice but also amount to a breach of administrative ethics.

“Consequently, upon the above facts, I humbly plead with the Hon Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to apply with the PSR against the NUC officials,” Rotimi stated in a statement.

He further warned that the Ministry itself risked being seen as complicit in the alleged contempt, given the officials’ continued stay in office despite being under criminal court proceedings.

Rotimi stressed that the NUC’s persistent disregard for lawful court orders constituted a violation of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria and undermined the rule of law.