MOUAU Denies Attempt To Sack Council Members, Says Their Tenure Expired

The Management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has dismissed misleading reports alleging that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, attempted to sack some internal members of the Council.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Anyaso Anyaso, on Saturday, the University said there was no Governing Council meeting on the day referenced in the publication because the affected internal members could no longer form a quorum following the expiration of their tenure on September 7, 2026.

Management explained that the affected members were elected on September 7, 2022, for a four-year tenure, which ended on September 7, 2026.

The university also clarified that a circular on the review of guidelines for ministries’ representatives on the Governing Councils of federal tertiary institutions applied specifically to external representatives of federal ministries and did not concern the tenure of the affected internal members.

The Press Release reads: ‎The attention of the Management of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has been drawn to a malicious and misleading online publication sponsored by some ex-internal Council members of the University alleging an attempt to sack them by the revered Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of our Governing Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh.
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‎For purposes of clarity and not to join issues with the misguided ex-internal Council members, the University Management wishes to state as follows.
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1. ‎There was no Council meeting on the said day because Council could not form a quorum following the expiration of the tenure of the ex-internal Council members.

2. ‎That the ex-internal Council members were elected on the 7th of  September, 2022 for a four year term which expired on the 7th of September, 2026.

3. ‎That the referenced circular titled “Reviewing the Guidelines for Ministeries’ Representatives on the Governing Councils of Federal Tertiary Institutions” relates specifically to external members of the Governing Councils representing Federal Ministries, including the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as applicable to MOUAU.

4. ‎That the Pro-Chancellor has no power to extend or terminate the tenure of any Council member (internal or external) and that the false narrative of an attempted sack could not sensibly apply to people whose tenures have already expired.

5. ‎That the right thing for the ex-internal Council members to do is to go back to their various constituencies ( Senate, Congregation and Convocation) and represent themselves.

6. ‎Some of the ex-internal Council members have written to distance themselves from the misguided activities of some of the ex-internal Council members.

7. ‎That the use of the word “Pandemonium” is an unprofessional attempt by the mischievous publishers and their sponsors to mud-sling the Pro-Chancellor, whip up public sentiment and does not reflect the atmosphere at the briefing held by the Chairman with external and ex-internal members of Council.

8. ‎Although we consider it unnecessary at the moment, Management may be forced to publish evidence on certain issues and hold those who attempt to tarnish the image of the University and her officials accountable.
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‎Management therefore urges members of the University Community, stakeholders and the general public to disregard the misleading claims contained in the said publication and rely on official information from the University for accurate updates concerning the institution.
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‎Media organisations are encouraged to publish responsibly and always verify information before publication, particularly on matters capable of creating unnecessary tension or misunderstanding within the university community.

Signed

Anyaso Anyaso
Head, Public Relations and Protocol
MOUAU