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FCE Obudu Provost Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct, Maladministration

Published

12 months ago

October 18, 2025

…. 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.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

18 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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