Court Rules Against IMT Enugu for Unfair Labor Practices, Awards N1 Million to Engr. Luke Mmamel
The National Industrial Court in Enugu has ruled that the Enugu Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) must pay Engr. Luke Mmamel N1 million in damages for unfair labor practices. The court also ordered IMT to cover arrears of N7,510,338.72 due to a 12-month salary shortfall.
Faith Orji 
The National Industrial Court, Enugu Division, has ruled in favor of Engr. Luke Mmamel, ordering the Enugu Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) to pay him N1 million in damages for unfair labor practices.
Hon. Justice Oluwakayode Arowosegbe declared that Engr. Mmamel, who served as Director of Works Services at IMT, is entitled to his full pension rights. The court also ordered IMT to pay Engr. Mmamel arrears of N7,510,338.72, which accounts for a 12-month shortfall in his salary and emoluments.
Justice Arowosegbe nullified IMT's actions regarding Engr. Mmamel’s sudden demotion and salary reduction. The judge ruled that these actions constituted constructive discharge, violating both the Constitution and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. The court emphasized that IMT and the State Attorney General cannot exploit Engr. Mmamel’s illegal demotion to argue he did not retire as Director of Works Services, but rather as Chief Engineer.
Engr. Mmamel, who began his career at IMT as a lecturer in 1983, rose to Senior Lecturer in 1991 before being appointed Acting Director of Works and Services. Despite applying for and being confirmed as Director of Works Services in 1997, a 1998 circular redesignated the role, and in 2016, he was abruptly directed to hand over his position without prior notice or fault.
The court's decision highlights the need for adherence to fair labor practices and the protection of employees' rights against unjust treatment.
