University says new VC not involved in controversial staff recruitment
The management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike has clarified that Prof. Ursula Akanwa, the current Vice-Chancellor, was not involved in the university’s previous recruitment exercise. According to Mr Anyaso Anyaso, the recruitment process and payroll inclusion were completed before Akanwa assumed office on March 1, 2026. The university emphasized that only 426 staff were approved for recruitment, but more appointment letters were issued. The management urged the public to ignore unverified reports and rely on official information.
What we know
- Prof. Ursula Akanwa became Vice-Chancellor after the recruitment process was concluded on March 1, 2026.
- The Federal Government and Governing Council approved the recruitment of 426 staff, but 618 appointment letters were issued.
- Only 426 names were uploaded to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), as approved.
- The university stated that Akanwa has no access to the GIFMIS platform to alter uploaded names.
- Allegations of forceful retrieval of disengaged workers’ ID cards were denied by the university’s spokesman.
