Federal Polytechnic Oko Clarifies Circumstances Surrounding the Dismissal of Mr. Anthony Umeozor

The Management and Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Oko have issued a comprehensive statement to address public misconceptions and social media narratives concerning the dismissal of Mr. Anthony Umeozor from the institution’s service.

The clarification comes in response to widespread misinterpretations and emotional appeals circulating online.

It is important to note that this matter predates both the current Governing Council, led by Sen. Engr. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, and the incumbent Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. The 12th Governing Council was inaugurated in July 2024, while the Rector assumed office in February 2025. The dismissal, therefore, cannot be construed as vendetta or victimization.

Mr. Umeozor was originally appointed Substantive Registrar by the 11th Governing Council in June 2022. However, the Federal Ministry of Education identified procedural anomalies in his appointment and subsequently nullified it, leading to the appointment of an Acting Registrar with proper approval.

Discontent with this decision, Mr. Umeozor filed a case at the National Industrial Court, Awka Division (NICN/AWK/CS/55/23), seeking validation of his appointment and nullification of actions by the Acting Registrar. While the court initially upheld his prayers, the Polytechnic appealed and filed a stay of execution, which was duly entered into record.

Subsequently, Mr. Umeozor filed another suit (NICN/AWK/CS/40/24), again claiming substantive status. The Polytechnic noted this as an abuse of court processes, citing the ongoing appeal on the same issues. Despite this, the court granted some of his prayers, prompting further appeal and stay applications by the institution.

During this period, a registered civil society organization petitioned the Polytechnic, asserting that Mr. Umeozor had crossed the statutory retirement age of 65 years, making him ineligible to remain in public service. In response, the Polytechnic referred the matter to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which conducted a thorough investigation, providing Mr. Umeozor with a fair hearing and opportunity to submit voluntary statements.

The Committee uncovered conclusive evidence of serious misconduct, including forgery of date of birth, with conflicting records showing 1960, 1961, and 1965 as his years of birth. This constituted a grave violation under Rule 100402(a) of the Public Service Rules.

After reviewing the Committee’s report, the Polytechnic Management adopted its recommendations and forwarded them to the Governing Council. Deliberating on the findings, the Council resolved to dismiss Mr. Anthony Umeozor from service in accordance with Rule 100407 of the Public Service Rules, which prescribes dismissal as the ultimate penalty for serious misconduct.

The Polytechnic underscores that no court judgement prevented the Committee from carrying out its lawful duties, and that the issue of age falsification was not part of the matters previously before the court. The institution remains committed to transparency, due process, and adherence to public service regulations in its administrative actions.