A group of workers dismissed from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in 2017 is requesting that the university restore their positions. These employees reaffirmed their dedication to the institution and clarified that the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, played no role in their initial termination.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Reverend Ifeanyi Remy stated that the personnel changes occurred during the tenure of the previous Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe. The group emphasized that Professor Akanwa was not involved in the university’s past recruitment efforts or their specific layoff situation. They chose to issue this statement to rectify public misconceptions regarding the administration’s involvement.
The workers expressed frustration that their reinstatement was ignored when the university was granted approval to hire 426 new employees. According to the group, they were promised a priority right of refusal, which should have allowed at least 150 of the former staff to return. They further alleged that the former management overstepped the authorized waiver by hiring 618 people instead of the approved 426. The former employees are now urging the current leadership to evaluate their case and permit them to resume their duties.
