ASUU FUTO Probe Panel Clears Dr. Isa Ibrahim’s Professorial Appointment
By Our Special Correspondent
Background
A probe panel set up by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), has declared that due process was followed in the appointment of Dr. Isa Ibrahim as a Professor of Cybersecurity. The panel was constituted following concerns raised by the ASUU FUTO Congress on September 22, 2021, regarding the legitimacy of Dr. Ibrahim’s appointment by the university’s Governing Council.
The Panel and Its Mandate
The five-member panel, chaired by Engr. Prof. M. S. Nwakaudu, was tasked with ascertaining whether the appointment adhered to established university guidelines. The other members included:
- Prof. G. A. Anyanwu (Member)
- Prof. C. E. Orji (Member)
- Prof. Mrs. O. P. Onyewuchi (Member)
- Prof. T. I. N. Ezejiofor (Member/Secretary)
Initially given a seven-day timeline, the panel was granted an additional two weeks to complete its investigations.
Methodology and Investigation
The panel employed a thorough approach, reviewing key documents, including:
- Advertisements for academic vacancies in The Daily Sun and The Guardian (September 21–22, 2020)
- The Federal Universities of Technology Act (Cap F23)
- FUTO’s Cybersecurity Department Handbook
- The 2020/2021 Academic Staff Promotion Guidelines
Furthermore, the panel engaged with relevant university stakeholders such as the Registrar, past and present Deans, Governing Council members, and the Acting Head of the Cybersecurity Department. Over six meetings, extensive deliberations took place.
Findings of the Probe Panel
The probe panel made several critical findings:
- FUTO had expanded its academic programs to include new disciplines like Forensic Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Cybersecurity, and others.
- The university publicly advertised vacancies for professors, readers, and senior lecturers in 23 departments, including Cybersecurity.
- Dr. Isa Ibrahim applied for the advertised Professor of Cybersecurity position and was granted a temporary appointment, which he formally accepted.
- His qualifications include:
- BSc and MSc in Computer Science and an MBA from ATBU
- PhD in Computer Information Systems from Robert Gordon University, UK
- Membership in recognized foreign professional societies in Computer Science
- He submitted his academic publications and research works for both internal and external assessments.
- The Dean of the School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT) assessed his credentials and established a prima facie case for his appointment.
- The Academic Staff Appraisal and Promotion Committee (ASAPC) discussed and recommended his professorial appointment in a meeting held on March 17, 2021.
- The FUTO Governing Council approved the recommendation on March 18, 2021.
- An external assessment of Dr. Ibrahim’s work was conducted and returned a positive evaluation.
- On August 20, 2021, the FUTO Council ratified his tenured appointment as a Professor of Cybersecurity.
- Dr. Ibrahim has since assumed duties, teaching CYB 201 (Fundamentals of Cybersecurity) online and supervising a PhD student.
Panel’s Conclusion and Recommendations
The panel concluded that the appointment followed due process and was in line with standard university regulations. The findings dispel any allegations of irregularities in the process.
The panel strongly recommended that FUTO management take urgent and appropriate action—including legal measures—against individuals or groups attempting to tarnish the university’s image.
Final Thoughts
With this report, the ASUU FUTO probe panel has provided clarity on a controversial matter. The findings reaffirm FUTO’s commitment to academic excellence and adherence to due process in faculty appointments. However, the panel’s call for legal action against those questioning the appointment signals that the university may take a firm stance against detractors in the coming days.
