Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has denied allegations that its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, was responsible for the controversial recruitment exercise that has left some staff working without pay.
The university management, through its Head of Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Mr. Anyaso Anyaso, said the recruitment controversy predates the current Vice-Chancellor’s assumption of office.
The controversy arose after some staff recruited in February 2026 had their identity cards retrieved during a recent meeting. They were subsequently issued letters describing them as “Surplus to Needs,” leaving many uncertain about their employment status.
One of the affected workers reportedly said: “We don’t know whether we have been sacked or if we are still staff members.”
Public outrage intensified following claims that 192 staff members had been disengaged, with fingers pointed at the Vice-Chancellor.
The university management has strongly refuted claims linking Prof. Akanwa to the recruitment crisis. According to the statement, the recruitment exercise was concluded before she assumed office on March 1, 2026.
The Federal Government had approved the recruitment of only 426 staff for the university. However, the immediate past management allegedly issued appointment letters to 618 persons, with 553 names captured on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
Due to the absence of budgetary provisions for the excess staff, the payroll platform could only accommodate the approved 426 vacancies.
The university stated that the current Vice-Chancellor had no role in the recruitment process and does not have access to the GIFMIS platform to influence payroll records.
Mr. Anyaso Anyaso said attempts to drag Prof. Akanwa into the controversy were “deliberate misinformation by mischief makers.”
He noted that the Vice-Chancellor had, on several occasions, clarified that the recruitment and payroll processes were already completed before she took over.
The management also denied sacking any staff, explaining that the university is simply complying with federal directives not to exceed the approved recruitment quota.
The university urged members of the public and the university community to disregard false narratives aimed at tarnishing the image of the Vice-Chancellor. It advised that enquiries regarding the recruitment exercise should be directed at those who conducted it.
The management expressed sympathy for the affected staff but maintained that its hands were tied due to the absence of provisions for additional salaries beyond the approved quota.
