Court Upholds Sack of OOU Lecturer for Double Emoluments

Justice J.D. Peters of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan, has upheld the termination of Dr. Elizabeth Aanu, a lecturer at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), for receiving salary and pension simultaneously from both the university and the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). In a judgment delivered on April 15, 2024, Justice Peters ruled in favor of OOU, affirming that Aanu's conduct violated constitutional and statutory provisions.

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Dr. Aanu, engaged as an Assistant Lecturer in 2006, failed to disclose her retirement from SUBEB, where she had worked for 26 years, receiving gratuity and monthly pensions. Despite later obtaining a doctoral degree and being promoted, her employment was terminated in June 2021 upon the discovery of her dual emoluments.

Counsel to Aanu had sought declarations setting aside her termination, along with payment of arrears and reinstatement. However, Justice Peters dismissed the case, emphasizing Aanu's failure to disclose her retirement and the irregularity of her appointment. He also rejected her claims for salary arrears and leave benefits.

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The judge concluded by ordering Aanu to pay N200,000 in costs to the defendants, underscoring the principle that equitable relief is granted to those with clean hands. The ruling underscores the importance of transparency and compliance with ethical standards in public service.

This judgment serves as a reminder of the consequences of misconduct and the obligation of public officers to act with integrity, thereby upholding the principles of accountability and good governance.

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