A group operating under the aegis of Concerned Indigenes of Host Communities has criticized what it described as attempts to undermine the Governing Council of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), following a series of press briefings by Dr. Philip Nto over his alleged denied promotion .
Dr. Nto, a senior lecturer at the university, has at various media engagements appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the MOUAU Governing Council to release his promotion to the rank of professor. He maintains that his promotion, which he said was due in 2021, had not been effected, while alleging that the council chairman approved professorial promotions for others but declined to approve his .
However, addressing journalists in Umuahia on Monday, group spokesperson Comrade Anyaragbu Chinweuba said a review of academic regulations applicable across Nigerian universities showed that staff on extended leave of absence, including political leave, are generally not eligible for promotion during the period of their absence .
The group explained that a member of staff on leave of absence, as distinct from sabbatical leave, is typically not considered for promotion for the duration of the leave. This principle also applies where seniority or service is frozen, noting that the required minimum years in a rank for promotion often do not accrue during unpaid leave .
Citing relevant provisions on leave in university statutes, the group said promotions are not ordinarily granted during periods of leave. It added that where a staff member’s promotion application had already been submitted and was under consideration before the commencement of leave, such an application could still be processed .
The group further noted that extended leave for political office is commonly subject to a maximum duration, often up to seven years or two terms, after which the staff member may be deemed to have resigned .
While urging Dr. Nto to be mindful of these rules, the group said it was unfair for any individual to seek the benefits of leave while also demanding entitlements that accrue only through continuous service .
On the debate surrounding the emergence of a new vice chancellor at MOUAU, the group said its priority was the appointment of a transparent and fair leader who would avoid discrimination and handle institutional challenges objectively .
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