JUST IN: FCE Obudu Provost Suspended Over Maladministration Allegations
By Missang AKPET
The 8th Governing Council of the Federal College of Education Obudu in Cross River State, has suspended the Provost, Dr. Richard Ugbaha Utubaku, over allegations of maladministration and gross misconduct.
The suspension was announced in a letter signed by the Registrar/Secretary of Council, Mr. Evans O. Iyenya.
The letter made available to press with Ref No: FCE/OB/REG/CT-A/Vol.II/273, captioned “LETTER OF SUSPENSION AND GENERAL INEFFICIENCY” disclosed that the decision was reached as a result of petitions labeled against the provost.
The letter read in parts "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; Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Senior Staff Union In Colleges Of Education Nigeria (SSUCOEN), Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Director of Procurement for surreptitiously auctioning of college unserviceable cars and other irregularities vehicles.
"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.
"Consequently, the 8th Governing Council in its 5th Regular meeting directed that you proceed on a Three months suspension at the first instance with effect from 14th October, 2025 pending the conclusion of investigation".
Dr. Utubaku is accused of surreptitiously auctioning college unserviceable cars to cronies and family members without due process, insensitivity to staff welfare, high handedness and lack of transparency.
COEASU has given the suspended Provost until October 14, 2025, to return the vehicles or face industrial action.
