ASUP demands removal of rectors sacked by court

ASUP demands removal of rectors sacked by court

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has written to the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, demanding compliance with the judgment of the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which sacked five rectors in federal polytechnics.

The PUNCH had earlier reported how the industrial court ordered the sacking of five rectors, declaring that their appointment by the Federal Government was not procedural.

The affected rectors are Dr Terlumun Utser of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune; Prof Edwin Onyeneje of the Federal Polytechnic, Ohodo; Prof Edward Okey of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep; Dr Zakari Ya’u of the Federal Polytechnic, Shendam; and Prof Garba Ngala of the Federal Polytechnic, Mungonu.

In a letter to the education minister dated March 24, ASUP National President, Anderson Ezeibe, recalled that Justice Obaseki Osaghae sacked the affected rectors following a suit by ASUP.

He said, “Judgment has been delivered in the suit in agreement with our union’s contention that the persons so appointed do not have the requisite qualification captured in the law to be so appointed, amongst other declarations of the court.

“This judgment is viewed by our union as one with immense benefits for the Nigeria polytechnic system.

“We hereby request the following: Immediate removal of the affected persons as rectors of the affected polytechnics; a directive to the Governing Councils of the affected polytechnics to commence the process for the appointment of new rectors for the affected polytechnics, in accordance to the law,”

The Minister of Education could not be immediately reached for comments.

However, findings by our correspondent revealed that the National Board for Technical Education, the regulatory body for polytechnics in the country, acknowledged receipt of the letter. Continue reading