The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has summoned the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, over the dissolution of university governing councils and the controversy surrounding the Vice-Chancellorship of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri.
The resolution was reached during a committee meeting in Abuja, which also mandated the appearance of Abdullahi Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), alongside heads of other key education agencies.
The meeting was prompted by a petition filed by the Concerned Interviewed Professors for the Post of Vice-Chancellor, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri.
Signed by Professors Kingsley Ikebudu and Joshua Umeifekwem, the petition alleges that Stella Lemchi, the suspended Vice-Chancellor, lacks the qualifications to serve in the position.
According to the petitioners, Lemchi was never an employee of Imo State University (IMSU) and allegedly “falsely claims to hold a professorship in a discipline that does not exist” at the institution.
However, IMSU’s Registrar, Julius Ozuagwu, refuted these claims, asserting that Lemchi was duly appointed as a Reader/Associate Professor at IMSU. He explained that her promotion to full professorship followed NUC guidelines and was conducted through due process.
Ozuagwu further clarified that Lemchi was on secondment and had been granted permission to complete her tenure as Provost of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education before its upgrade to a full-fledged university.
In response to the controversy, Committee Chairman, Abubakar Fulata (APC-Jigawa), stated that all relevant stakeholders would be invited to provide clarifications regarding the petition.
The committee will also deliberate on the frequent dissolution of university councils and the dismissal of vice-chancellors, which have raised concerns over governance and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Fulata emphasized the need to ensure job security for university officials, including vice-chancellors and council members, stressing the importance of dialogue with all stakeholders to address systemic issues.
The investigation marks a significant step in addressing governance challenges in Nigeria’s university system and ensuring due process in the appointment of university administrators.
