News
FCE Obudu Provost Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct, Maladministration
…. Governing Council Acts on Staff Union Petitions Over Irregular Auction of College Vehicles
Joel Ajayi
The Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Obudu, Cross River State, has suspended the institution’s Provost, Dr. Richard Utubaku, following multiple allegations of gross misconduct, maladministration, and violations of public service regulations.
The suspension was formally communicated in a letter dated October 14, 2025, and signed by the College Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Evans Iyenya. The document, referenced FCE/OB/REG/CT-A/Vol.II/273, was titled “Letter of Suspension and General Inefficiency.”
Allegations and Petitions
According to the Governing Council, its decision followed a wave of petitions and formal complaints submitted by key stakeholders within the college community—including Deans of Schools, the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the Director of Procurement.
The Registrar stated: “I am directed to inform you that the 8th Governing Council is in receipt of allegations and series of complaints against you from Deans of Schools, the three Unions in the College—COEASU, SSUCOEN, NASU—and the Director of Procurement for surreptitiously auctioning the College’s unserviceable cars and other irregularities in vehicle disposal. This is in violation of the White Paper of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the report of the visiting panel into the affairs of the College (2011–2015).”
The Council noted that Dr. Utubaku allegedly sold approximately 15 college vehicles—including official and utility cars—without due process, and in apparent contravention of federal regulations governing asset disposal. Several of the vehicles were reportedly acquired by individuals with close personal ties to the Provost.
Suspension and Interim Arrangements
Following deliberations at its 5th Regular Meeting, the Council resolved to place Dr. Utubaku on a three-month suspension, effective October 14, 2025.
He has been instructed to hand over all college property and official documents to the Deputy Provost to ensure continuity in administration during the investigation.
Mounting Tensions and Union Threats
Insider reports indicate that the Provost had been locked in a long-standing dispute with staff unions, who have consistently accused him of authoritarian leadership, lack of transparency, and failure to comply with established procedures.
In a recent petition, COEASU described the alleged auction as a “kangaroo exercise” and demanded the immediate reversal of the transactions.
The union issued an ultimatum to the Provost, insisting that all affected vehicles be returned to the institution by October 14, 2025. It warned that failure to comply would trigger industrial action, potentially paralyzing both academic and administrative activities on campus.
Governing Council’s Next Steps
In an effort to ease growing unrest and restore order within the institution, the Governing Council is expected to set up an investigative panel to thoroughly examine the allegations.
The panel will focus on the vehicle disposal process and other administrative actions taken under Dr. Utubaku’s leadership, with a mandate to determine whether government-approved procedures were violated.
As investigations begin, the atmosphere on campus remains tense, with staff and students closely monitoring developments and awaiting the Council’s final verdict.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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