Ministry Orders Withdrawal of Assistant Directors’ Appointments at FUTO
The Federal Ministry of Education has mandated the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) to revoke the appointments of 24 Assistant Directors within the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. This decision arises from concerns that the appointments did not align with the established regulations governing federal universities.
Details of the Directive
This directive was communicated in a letter dated June 25, 2026, which was reviewed by Business Day. The letter, signed by Kareem OL, Acting Director-General for University Education, represents the Minister of Education’s official stance on the matter.
Concerns Raised by the Ministry
The ministry’s attention was drawn to a memorandum issued by FUTO on June 22, 2026, which announced the appointment of the new assistants. After evaluating this memorandum and the context of the appointments, the minister determined that they were not compliant with the current regulations and principles of due process that govern such appointments in the federal university system.
Immediate Actions Required
In light of these findings, the ministry instructed FUTO to retract the memo immediately and submit documentary evidence that supports the withdrawal promptly. The letter explicitly points out the irregular nature of the appointments, highlighting the necessity for adherence to established procedures.
Scheduled Meeting on Governance Issues
The Vice-Chancellor is expected to meet with officials at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja on June 29, 2026, to further discuss this situation along with broader issues concerning institutional governance. The meeting aims to address topics such as administrative accountability and the adherence to regulatory frameworks within Nigeria’s federal universities.
Commitment to Best Practices
The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to fostering transparency and best practices in the management of higher education institutions. It is confident that universities will adhere to this directive promptly and maintain compliance with the necessary regulations.
