Lecturer’s Promotion Row Sparks Varsity Occupation Threat

A simmering dispute over the delayed promotion of a lecturer at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has escalated into a potential campus crisis, with a local pressure group threatening to occupy the institution until the matter is resolved.

At the center of the controversy is Dr. Philips Nto, an Associate Professor at MOUAU, whose promotion to the rank of Professor has allegedly been withheld since 2021. Dr. Nto, who joined the university as an Assistant Lecturer in 2007 and rose to Senior Lecturer in 2015, insists that by academic progression standards, he should have been elevated to Professor five years ago. He has accused the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, of deliberately blocking the release of his promotion.

The Old Bende Young Professionals, a socio-political group from Abia State, has vowed to physically occupy the university until the Governing Council implements Dr. Nto’s promotion. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chima Ogbonna, and Secretary, Chief Dike Okwara, the group described the delay as “a grave injustice and victimisation.” They further alleged that the situation amounts to a provocation against the people of Abia State, accusing the Governing Council’s leadership of ethnic bias.

Dr. Nto has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in the matter. He requested that whenever his promotion is eventually approved, it should take effect retroactively from 2021.

The dispute has sparked concerns about governance and fairness in Nigerian universities, with stakeholders warning that prolonged delays in academic promotions could undermine morale and institutional stability. The threat of occupation by community groups also raises fears of disruption to academic activities at MOUAU.