Education Ministry orders FUTO VC to withdraw 24 aides

The Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) to withdraw his recent appointment of 24 personal aides, citing violations of established regulations. The ministry has also summoned Vice-Chancellor Ikechukwu Dozie to a meeting in Abuja on Monday, June 29, 2026, to discuss the matter and broader governance issues.

Professor Dozie, who assumed office as the university's ninth substantive vice-chancellor on June 19, announced the appointments via an internal memorandum dated June 22. The aides included a coordinator for the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, an executive assistant, and several special assistants covering duties such as protocol, projects, and communication.

In a directive dated June 25 and signed by Acting Director of University Education Kareem Lateef on behalf of Education Minister Tunji Alausa, the ministry described the appointments as "irregular" and "at variance with the extant regulations, established procedures, and the principles of due process governing appointments within the Federal University System." The letter ordered the immediate withdrawal of the appointments and demanded...