Host communities of MOUAU defend the Governing Council amid a heated promotion controversy involving a senior lecturer Philip Nto. Read the full unfolding story.
By All Facts Newspaper
Tension is mounting at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) as concerned indigenes of the university’s host communities have publicly defended the institution’s Governing Council amid allegations surrounding a disputed promotion process.
At a press conference in Umuahia on Monday 16/2/2026, the group faulted claims made by Dr. Philip Nto, a Senior Lecturer at the institution, describing his recent media briefing as misleading and damaging to the integrity of the university’s governing structure.
The indigenes said it was necessary to “set the records straight” and prevent what they termed an attempt to denigrate the image of the Governing Council through misinformation.
Providing a timeline of events, the group stated that Dr. Nto was promoted to Senior Lecturer within the first two years of proceeding on leave of absence in 2015 while serving as Abia State Commissioner for Finance.
They further noted that he allegedly claimed entitlement to promotion to Associate Professor in 2018 and full Professor in 2021 periods during which he was still on extended leave of absence.
According to the concerned indigenes, Dr. Nto only returned to active service in 2023 after a decade-long absence and subsequently applied for promotion to the rank of Professor. They emphasized that the current Governing Council was not inaugurated until 2024, raising questions about why earlier promotion claims were not resolved before the present council assumed office.
The group described as “untenable” the reported assessment of Dr. Nto for both Associate Professor and Professor in a single sitting of the university’s Appointments and Promotions Committee, insisting that such a process contravenes established academic standards.
Citing the university’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (2003/2004 and 2017 editions), the indigenes outlined key provisions governing promotion during extended leave:
Academic staff on leave of absence (other than sabbatical) are generally not eligible for promotion during the period of absence.
Length of service required for promotion does not accrue during unpaid leave.
Promotion applications may only proceed if fully qualified and submitted before leave commenced.
Staff returning from extended leave are typically required to serve at least one year before being considered for promotion.
They maintained that these rules are consistent with standard practices across Nigerian universities.
The group also expressed concern over public remarks allegedly made by the Vice Chancellor Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, who they claim distanced himself from the promotion matter despite being a statutory member of the Governing Council.
They argued that such statements risk undermining the authority of the Council and could erode public confidence in the university’s governance framework.
“It is unfair to shift responsibility in a matter that requires collective institutional integrity,” one of the spokespersons stated.
Beyond the promotion dispute, the host community representatives alleged that unresolved staff litigations and administrative appeals are still pending within the university system. They urged management to respect judicial decisions and ensure fairness in handling internal disputes.
The group, which includes Comrade Anyaragbu Chinweuba, Mr. Bright Chuks Eluwa, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwanguma and Elder Ogbuji Kalu, reaffirmed confidence in the Governing Council, describing its members as experienced and incorruptible personalities drawn from diverse professional backgrounds.
They called for calm while institutional mechanisms address the matter in line with established regulations.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders say the coming weeks will test the university’s commitment to due process, transparency and academic integrity.
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