Control1stAdmin1
By David Odama
A new wave of administrative tension is said to have hit the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), following a petition by the immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Obekpa Abah, alleging unauthorized entry into his office under the directive of the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Friday Okibe.
In the memo dated 29 October 2025 and addressed to the Vice-Chancellor through the Registrar, Prof. Abah described the incident as “a grave administrative breach and act of misconduct”.
According to him, a junior staff member, Mr. James Owoicho, who once served as his Confidential Secretary, unlawfully entered his office on Tuesday, 29 October 2025, and allegedly removed a table, files, and some cash.
What initially appeared to be an isolated act by a junior staff member took a different dimension when further findings, according to Prof. Abah, revealed that “this entry was at the instance and directive of the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Friday Okibe.”
Prof. Abah expressed deep concern over what he further described as a fundamental violation of university administrative procedures.
He stressed that there was no official communication, written authorization, or procedural notice issued to him before the intrusion took place.
“The action constitutes a gross violation of administrative protocol, office integrity, and established University procedures regarding access to official spaces and property,” he stated.
He argued that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) lacked the authority to order such an action, particularly in the absence of due process or involvement of relevant administrative units. “The fact that such action emanated from a high-ranking officer of the University, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor, makes it even more disturbing, unethical, and institutionally corrosive,” he warned.
The former Acting Vice-Chancellor noted that the action undermined the sanctity of administrative offices and posed risks to the security of official records and the dignity of senior officers of the institution. His memo pointed out that the conduct raises concerns bordering on abuse of office, breach of due process, unauthorized interference with official property, and potentially criminal implications since files and cash were reportedly missing.
He cautioned that failure to address the incident could embolden actions capable of eroding discipline and destabilizing the University’s governance structure. According to him, “If left unaddressed, such conduct sets a dangerous precedent that threatens discipline, mutual respect, and the stability of the University’s governance framework.”
Prof. Abah, therefore, called on the Vice-Chancellor to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter, including the role allegedly played by Prof. Okibe and the circumstances surrounding the removal of items from his office.
Describing the development as “deeply regrettable and reflective of a level of administrative irresponsibility inconsistent with the ethos of the University,” he urged management to take decisive corrective measures to safeguard institutional integrity and prevent a recurrence.
As the university community awaits an official response, the memo has already stirred up concerns about rising internal tensions and the implications for governance, protocols and accountability within FUHSO.
