Onoh dismisses claims of Education Minister’s interference in University of Abuja affairs

By Dennis Agbo

Former South-East spokesman to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Josef Onoh, has dismissed allegations that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, interfered in the administration of the University of Abuja.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Onoh described as false and unfounded reports alleging that the minister pressured the university’s management to appoint a dismissed lecturer, Prof. Hamzat Adebayo, to a senior management position.

He said the allegations were fabricated and misrepresented the statutory framework governing the administration of federal universities in Nigeria.

According to Onoh, the claims reflected a misunderstanding of the laws regulating tertiary institutions, noting that under the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, as amended, federal universities enjoy institutional autonomy.

He explained that decisions relating to the employment of academic staff, inter-university transfers and appointments into senior management positions fall within the statutory responsibilities of the university’s Governing Council and Senate.

“The Minister of Education does not possess the executive or statutory powers to unilaterally deploy, transfer or appoint academic staff into the administrative structure of an autonomous institution such as the University of Abuja,” he stated.

Onoh also rejected claims that the minister facilitated the transfer of the lecturer from the Federal University Dutsin-Ma to the University of Abuja.

He said inter-university transfers are governed by established procedures, including applications by the affected staff member, departmental assessment, Senate approval of academic qualifications and final clearance by the Governing Council, subject to available vacancies and merit.

According to him, his interactions with the Minister confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education does not interfere in the internal recruitment processes of universities.

He maintained that Alausa remains committed to due process, the rule of law and the preservation of merit in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Onoh said the minister has consistently respected the autonomy of university governing councils and boards since assuming office.

He described suggestions that the minister was influencing staffing decisions at the University of Abuja as an attempt to damage his reputation and create unnecessary tension within the institution.

Onoh urged media organisations to verify facts and consult the relevant legal and institutional frameworks before publishing allegations based on anonymous sources.

He also advised the public to disregard the reports, insisting that the Ministry of Education remains focused on implementing reforms aimed at improving the quality, infrastructure and standards of education across the country.