The National Industrial Court in Akure has awarded Professor Niyi Akingbe, former Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), N40 million in compensation after a six-year legal battle over his wrongful dismissal. Justice K.D. Damulak presided over the case, delivering a landmark ruling on October 29, 2024, in suit number NICN/AK/58/2018.
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Wrongful Dismissal and Allegations of Plagiarism
The case against FUOYE stemmed from Professor Akingbe’s dismissal in October 2018 following allegations of plagiarism. However, the court found that these accusations were unsubstantiated and that the university had failed to provide specific evidence detailing the works he allegedly plagiarized. The ruling stated that accusing someone of plagiarism without identifying the original authors or passages allegedly copied is groundless.
Lack of Fair Hearing and Violation of Due Process
Justice Damulak also declared that Akingbe’s dismissal was conducted without fair hearing, a violation that rendered his termination null and void. The court emphasized that FUOYE did not adhere to the procedural requirements outlined in the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti Act of 2015 and the guidelines governing the service conditions of senior staff.
“The defendant is hereby ordered to pay the claimant general damages assessed at N40,000,000 within thirty days of this judgement or the sum shall attract 10% interest per annum,” the ruling stated.
Claims of Bias and Administrative Criticism
Professor Akingbe had been a vocal critic of certain administrative practices under former Vice Chancellor Kayode Soremekun, a stance that he believes contributed to his dismissal. The court documents revealed that the Staff Disciplinary Committee, which investigated the plagiarism charges, operated without adhering to established legal frameworks.
Denied Promotion Due to Allegations
Professor Akingbe’s legal counsel, Ademola Olowoyeye, argued that his client met all the requirements for a promotion to the rank of Professor in the Department of English. However, the unproven allegations of plagiarism led to an unfair denial of this promotion. The court ruled that this decision was both unlawful and damaging to Akingbe’s career
This ruling marks a significant precedent in cases of wrongful dismissal, especially within academic institutions. By ordering FUOYE to pay N40 million in damages, the court emphasized the importance of adhering to due process, transparency, and fairness in handling allegations against staff. The decision highlights the accountability that institutions must uphold, ensuring fair treatment of faculty members.
For more details on the case, you can read the original report from Vanguard.
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