By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Federal University Dutse (FUD) and a former lecturer, Dr Ramla Muhammad Kamal, are locked in a legal dispute over the termination of her appointment, with the university insisting that the action followed due process.
FUD said Dr Kamal’s dismissal stemmed from her alleged failure to resume duty after the expiration of an approved study fellowship, followed by disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the institution’s Conditions of Service.
The university also disclosed that it calculated N16.37 million in salaries allegedly paid to the former lecturer during the period under review.
In a statement issued by its acting Director of Public Relations, Abdullahi Yahaya Bello, FUD dismissed allegations that Dr Kamal was denied fair hearing or that her employment rights were violated.
According to the university, Dr Kamal was employed on May 25, 2018, as a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
She was later granted a two-year study fellowship at Universiti Putra Malaysia under a self-sponsored arrangement with salary, the university said.
FUD said she signed a Study Fellowship Bond requiring her to return and serve the institution for a specified period after completing the programme.
The university said the fellowship was subsequently extended until November 10, 2022, but alleged that Dr Kamal failed to resume duty after the approved period expired.
It said the matter resurfaced during a staff audit in 2024, following which she was directed to return to work.
According to FUD, Dr Kamal instead requested the suspension of obligations arising from her study fellowship bond, but the request was declined.
The university said it subsequently issued her a formal query and commenced disciplinary proceedings.
FUD said Dr Kamal, in her response, explained that she was in the United States awaiting residency documentation to pursue further professional training.
The institution maintained that she was given opportunities to regularise her position, including participating virtually in proceedings before an investigative committee.
The matter was later referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee (SSDC), which FUD said invited her twice to appear and present her defence.
The university alleged that she failed to honour both invitations.
Following the proceedings, the committee recommended disciplinary action, while the Bursary Department was directed to calculate the salaries allegedly paid to her during the period in question.
FUD put the amount at N16,375,817.
The university also defended a publication in which Dr Kamal’s name appeared, saying it formed part of an official administrative process and was protected by the legal defences of justification and qualified privilege.
The dispute is now before the Federal High Court in Dutse, where Dr Kamal is challenging the termination of her appointment and seeking N120 million in damages over alleged defamation and breach of her employment rights.
FUD said it has filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.
The university said it would respect the judicial process and refrain from commenting further on the substantive issues while the matter remains before the court.
It reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, due process, accountability, staff development and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
