Court stops University of Ibadan from ejecting sacked lecturer from quarters

The National Industrial Court in Ibadan on Monday stopped the University of Ibadan management from ejecting a sacked lecturer, Dr Adenike Ogunshe, from her official residence, pending the determination of a suit. Ogunshe, a lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, is challenging the institution and its council over the unlawful termination of her appointment.

The institution had also directed the claimant to vacate her quarters on the institution’s campus.

Counsel to the claimant, Mr Femi Aborisade, in a motion exparte, urged the court to stop the University of Ibadan from carrying out the directive. Justice Firstina Kola-Olalere granted the motion and instructed the University of Ibadan not to eject the claimant from her official residence. The judge, however, adjourned the case till Jan. 19, for hearing of the suit. 

NAN reports that the claimant’s appointment was terminated over alleged misconduct. Aborisade had earlier told the court that the appointment of his client was wrongly terminated, adding that due process was not followed. He further said that the termination of the appointment of his client was unconstitutional, unlawful and a violation her constitutionally guaranteed right to life, natural justice and fair hearing. 

The counsel urged the court to set aside the purported termination of the appointment and reinstall the claimant to her position, without any loss of earnings, salaries and allowances. He also urged the court to order the respondents to pay N8 million as general damages, for failure to give the equitable three months notice before termination of the claimant’s appointment.