A coalition of concerned stakeholders and staff of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has issued a press release calling for an urgent federal investigation into an eight-year administrative crisis, alleging illegal staff suspensions and the diversion of salaries.
The group alleges that over 800 staff members have been illegally suspended since the tenure of the late Prof. Francis Otunta, a practice continued under the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe. They claim this action violates labour laws and university statutes.
The central and most serious allegation is the suspected diversion of federal funds. The stakeholders assert that despite annual budgetary allocations for the salaries of the suspended workers, these funds were never paid to them. They are demanding a forensic audit to trace the allocation and potential misappropriation of these public resources.
The press release further accuses the university administration of defying multiple federal directives, including resolutions from the University Senate and the Presidential Visitation Panel, which ordered the reinstatement of the affected staff.
The group is calling on the Governing Council Chairman, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, and the Federal Government to immediately order a forensic audit, enforce staff reinstatement, and sanction any officials found culpable of the alleged irregularities.
Disclaimer:
This article is a report on allegations made in a public press release by concerned stakeholders. The claims presented have not been independently verified by CDA News. The university administration has not issued a public response at this time. We present this information in the interest of public awareness.
© 2025 CDA News. All rights reserved.
