By Stephen Simon
The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has declared the termination of the appointment of Prof. Ngozi Ijeoma as Vice Chancellor of Citiedge University wrongful and unfair, ordering the institution to pay her outstanding salary arrears and other entitlements.
Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, who delivered the judgment, ordered the university to pay Prof. Ngozi ₦17 million, representing arrears of salaries covering the period between August 1, 2021 and December 19, 2022.
The court also directed Chief Onwuka to refund ₦24 million advanced to him by the claimant and awarded ₦750,000 as cost of the action against the university and the other defendants.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae ordered that all sums awarded be paid within 30 days.
The suit was instituted by Prof. Ngozi Ijeoma, who contended that she was duly appointed Vice Chancellor of Citiedge University and discharged her responsibilities in accordance with the terms of her appointment.
She alleged that despite rendering services to the institution, the university failed to pay her salaries for several months and also refused to reimburse funds she advanced to support its operations.
According to the claimant, several demands for payment were ignored by the institution, leaving her with no option but to seek legal redress.
Citiedge University, however, challenged the claims, arguing that no valid contract of employment existed between the parties because the claimant allegedly failed to sign and return an acceptance letter.
The university further contended that Prof. Ngozi never effectively resumed duty or performed any official functions as Vice Chancellor.
It also argued that issues relating to the alleged loan or debt were already the subject of proceedings before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and therefore ought not to be entertained by the National Industrial Court.
In addition, the defendants maintained that Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where the claimant was employed as an academic staff member, remained her substantive employer and questioned the legality of her appointment as Vice Chancellor while still in public service.
Counsel to the claimant, Victor Edem, urged the court to dismiss the objections, arguing that ample evidence had been placed before the court to establish the existence of an employment relationship and justify the reliefs sought.
In its judgment, the court held that it possessed the jurisdiction to determine the matter because it arose from an employment dispute.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae found that the evidence before the court established that an offer of appointment had been made and accepted, thereby creating a valid and enforceable contract of employment between Prof. Ngozi and Citiedge University.
The court also held that the claimant complied with applicable public service regulations by obtaining a leave of absence without pay from Nnamdi Azikiwe University before taking up the appointment.
The judge consequently rejected the defendants’ arguments and held that the claimant did not act unlawfully in accepting the position of Vice Chancellor.
Justice Obaseki-Osaghae concluded that Prof. Ngozi successfully proved her claims relating to unpaid salaries and reimbursement of funds advanced to the institution and entered judgment in her favour.
The court subsequently granted the monetary reliefs sought and awarded costs against the defendants.
