FG sacks Otukpo varsity’s governing council chairman

The federal government has announced the sacking of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.

The Nigerian government stated that the dismissal was due to actions “unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.”

Specifically, the decision followed a series of “unprofessional actions” by Engr. Salami, including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without adhering to prescribed procedures.

A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, disclosed that despite requests by the Ministry urging the sacked Governing Council Chairman to rescind the decision, he refused.

The statement read: “The Federal Government has announced the removal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State, due to actions unbecoming of his office and violations of established procedures.

“The decision follows a series of unprofessional actions by Engr. Salami, including the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures. Despite intervention by the Federal Ministry of Education and formal requests to rescind the unlawful suspension, Engr. Salami refused to comply, resorting to abusive and threatening behaviour towards the Ministry’s Directors, including the Permanent Secretary.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, noted that such conduct undermines the Ministry’s supervisory role over the university and jeopardises the institution’s stability and governance.

“In line with this decision, the Minister has requested the appointment of a new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, to restore proper governance and ensure the university operates in accordance with the principles of law, due process, and accountability.

“All these changes are with immediate effect. This action reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to uphold good governance, the rule of law, and due process in the management of the nation’s universities, thereby ensuring their continued growth and development.”