FUTO Sues ASUU Over Pantami’s Professorship

The management of Federal University, Owerri (FUTO) has filed a lawsuit against Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over its rejection of promotion of Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, to the rank of Professor of Cyber Security.

FUTO's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti made the announcement shortly after ASUU threatened to sanction her and others involved in promotion of Pantami to the rank of a Professor.

Oti said yesterday that the management went to court on the matter, saying any comment or discussion on it is subjudice.

But a senior management worker, who spoke in confidence, claimed that ASUU has no right to dabble into a matter it has no jurisdiction over.

“Just like ASUU does not tell the university council and its Senate who to promote, it cannot tell them the criteria for promoting somebody to rank of professor. In law, you cannot withdraw what you don’t have.

ASUU does not regulate appointments and promotions. Some of these things are derived from NUC guidelines, and every university sets up its standard,” the source said.

February 16, 2022