Parents petition Tinubu over alleged interference, victimization at MOUAU, seek removal of board chairman
A group under the aegis of Concerned Parents of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, over what it described as an alleged leadership crisis, interference, victimisation and declining morale among staff of the institution.
The group alleged that the university had experienced growing tension and administrative challenges since Edeh assumed office as Chairman of the Governing Council in 2024.
In a statement issued in Umuahia on Tuesday, the Chairman of the group, Hon. Obinna Nwankwo, accused the council chairman of allegedly intimidating principal officers, interfering in the day-to-day administration of the university, victimising some members of staff and withholding promotions.
The group also alleged that the council chairman had suspended the Registrar and Bursar without following due process, while allegedly intimidating the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa.
According to the parents, the alleged actions had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, with adverse consequences for the effective administration of the university.
Nwankwo said the group had previously appealed to Edeh to reconsider his leadership style, but claimed that their concerns had not been addressed.
He said the council chairman’s alleged approach to leadership was “combative, vindictive and unconventional,” adding that it was allegedly undermining the reputation of both the university and the administration of President Tinubu.
The group further alleged that Edeh had interfered in the promotion process of Dr. Philips Nto, claiming that the academic had fulfilled the required assessment procedures for promotion to the rank of a professor, effective 2021.
It alleged that despite recommendations from relevant university organs, including a committee of the Governing Council, the promotion had not been approved.
The group further claimed that a panel was subsequently constituted to review the promotion process, describing the panel as an alleged attempt to delay the matter.
It also accused the council chairman of frequently setting up investigative or review panels against members of staff perceived to be opposed to his leadership.
The parents alleged that such interventions had blurred the distinction between the responsibilities of the Governing Council and those of the university’s management.
They also accused Edeh of allegedly spending extended periods at the university’s Guest House and employing personal aides whose services were allegedly paid for by the institution.
The group further claimed that the council chairman sometimes invited deans and directors directly and held meetings with students without the knowledge of the university management.
The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The group also alleged irregularities in the award of contracts and claimed that the Vice-Chancellor had been threatened with petitions to anti-corruption agencies if she failed to comply with certain directives.
The concerned parents warned that the university could face further deterioration if what they described as the current leadership crisis was not urgently addressed.
“We are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to save the university. The President is ultimately responsible for the appointment and oversight of the Governing Council, and we believe he should intervene to restore peace and stability to MOUAU,” the group said.
They urged the Federal Government to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is established.
It must be noted that the group’s call for Edeh’s removal remains an allegation and appeal by the concerned parents.
Effort to reach out to Edeh for his response was fruitless at the time of filing this report.
