A group operating under the aegis of Concerned Indigenes of Host Communities has criticised 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.
The group said it was concerned about the fallout from the press conferences organised by Dr Nto, a senior lecturer at the university, and stressed that individuals entrusted with public or institutional responsibilities must act in line with established procedures.
Dr Nto has, at various media engagements, appealed to Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the MOUAU Governing Council to release his promotion to the rank of professor.
He has maintained that his promotion, which he said was due in 2021, had not been effected, while alleging that the council chairman, Mr Fidelis Edeh, approved professorial promotions for other academics but declined to approve his.
However, addressing journalists in Umuahia on Monday on behalf of the group, its 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, except under clearly defined circumstances.
He 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.
The group said 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.
The group faulted Dr Nto’s approach, arguing that rather than being guided by established regulations, he chose to publicly question the authority of the university’s Governing Council, of which he is also a member.
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.
On pre-qualification requirements, the group said academic staff are generally not considered for promotion while on leave unless they had fully met the criteria before proceeding on leave. It added that staff returning from extended continuous leave, usually exceeding one year, are often required to serve at least one year after resumption before becoming eligible for promotion, provided they have met the mandatory service period.
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, and calls by some groups for the position to be reserved for an indigene of Abia State, the group said its priority was the appointment of a transparent and fair leader for the institution.
It said the university required a vice chancellor who would avoid discrimination and favouritism, handle institutional challenges objectively and lead the citadel of learning towards greater progress.
Group Cites University Rules as MOUAU Lecturer Presses Promotion Claim
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