President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by dismissing Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami as FUHSO Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, effective immediately.
President Tinubu dismissed Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami on November 20, citing Salami’s deliberate disregard for Ministry of Education directives as the reason, which intensified the institution’s lingering leadership crisis.
Notably, Salami’s suspension of FUHSO’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Innocent Ujah, without due process, was deemed illegal by the Ministry of Education.
Consequently, the ministry issued directives for Ujah’s reinstatement, which Salami refused to obey.
According to a statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Salami’s non-compliance led to abusive and threatening behavior towards Ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
Furthermore, the ministry had previously objected to the council’s appointment of former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ediga Agbo as Acting Vice-Chancellor, citing that Agbo was no longer a university staff member.
In a November 1 letter, the ministry ordered Ujah’s reinstatement to complete his tenure, which ends on November 6, 2024.
The situation took a turn when Prof. Ujah presided over a Senate meeting on November 5, resulting in the election of Prof. Steve Obekpa Abah as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
However, Salami dismissed these developments, insisting Ujah’s suspension remained valid.
In a November 6 statement, Salami emphasized, “For the avoidance of doubt, Prof. Innocent Ujah remains suspended and lacks any legal authority to convene a Senate meeting.”
In light of these events, President Tinubu stressed that university councils must prioritize smooth academic operations and avoid distractions.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing education standards nationwide, underscoring the importance of effective leadership in achieving this goal.
