By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, Feb. 5, 2026 (NAN) A pressure group, called Old Bende Young Professionals, has threatened to occupy the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), over the alleged delay in Dr Philips Nto’s promotion to the rank of professor.
The group issued the threat in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Mr Chima Ogbonna and Chief Dike Okwara, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Thursday.
It described the development as “grave injustice and victimisation” against Nto.
It, therefore, issued the University Governing Council up to its next council meeting to either approve or reject Nto’s promotion “or face massive protests”.
It stated that its investigation revealed that the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr Fidelis Edeh, “is deliberately frustrating Nto, out of personal bias, vendetta, and not because he lacks the required qualifications”.
The group alleged that Nto was being punished over the internal politics of Enugu State.
It, therefore, called on Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State to call Edeh to order to avoid interstate disagreement.
The statement read in part : “Nto is a prominent son of Abia, who has served as a commissioner and Provost of a school.
“We can’t standby and watch anyone rubbish his unblemished career and reputation.
“We are set for a mother of all protests to occupy MOUAU, if his promotion is not released at the next sitting of the council.”
It warned the pro chancellor to desist from actions that might cause crisis in the peaceful institution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nto, a senior lecturer in the Department of Agribusiness Management, recently petitioned President Bola Tinubu, seeking his intervention in the controversy surrounding his promotion.
He said at a recent news conference that he was due for promotion in 2021 but alleged that it was halted by Edeh.
He had queried Edeh’s approval of professorial promotions of others, including his juniors, while allegedly “sitting” on his file without justification.
But reacting to the allegation, Edeh told newsmen that he would not join issues with a staff of a university under his supervision.
“I cannot join issues with a staff over internal administrative matter.
“There are processes through which that can be dealt with,” Edeh had
said.
Also speaking on the development, MOUAU Chief Public Relations Officer, Dr Ubadire Agua, said that the Pro-Chancellor (Chairman) does not have any power under the law to refuse or stop the promotion of any staff of the university presented to the council.
“The university, under the leadership of Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe as Vice-Chancellor, has not withheld any staff promotion.
“In fact, everyone who is qualified, according to the rules and regulations of the University, gets his or her promotion when due,” Agua said.
(NAN)
