“Reverse Forthwith”: Alausa queries FUTO VC Dozie over “irregular appointment” of 24 aides

Six days into the job and trouble already. Education Minister Tunji Alausa has queried new FUTO VC Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie over the “irregular appointment” of 24 aides, ordering him to reverse it “forthwith.”

–“At variance with due process”–

In a memo dated 25 June 2026, signed by Kareem O.L, acting director of university education for the minister, Alausa faulted appointments made through an internal memo Ref. No. FUT/REG/CR/CIR/4 dated 22 June.

The minister said the appointments are “at variance with the extant regulations, established procedures, and the principles of due process governing appointments within the Federal University System.”

Alausa directed Dozie to reverse the 24 appointments immediately and provide evidence of compliance without delay. A copy was also sent to the National Universities Commission, NUC.

–Summoned to Abuja Monday–

The ministry is not stopping at the query. Dozie has been invited to the Ministry on Monday, 29 June 2026 for further engagement on institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process, and strict adherence to regulations.

“The Ministry remains committed to promoting transparency, prudence, and best practices in the management of our tertiary institutions and trusts that this matter will receive your prompt attention and cooperation,” the memo added.

–New VC, old rules—

Prof. Dozie, a professor of medical microbiology and parasitology, assumed office 19 June as FUTO’s 9th VC, taking over from Nnenna Oti after her five-year tenure. He was immediate past VC of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, KOMU, Ideato North.

For FUTO staff and students, the query raises early questions about governance at the university. For the ministry, it’s a signal: no VC is above due process, no matter how new.

Dozie now has days to prove compliance before facing the minister in Abuja.