Jigawa varsity defends termination of former lecturer’s appointment

The Federal University Dutse (FUD) has rejected allegations made by a former lecturer, Dr Ramla Muhammad Kamal, over the termination of her appointment, insisting that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court and that it will abide by the court’s final decision.

In a statement issued by the acting Director of Public Relations, Abdullahi Yahaya Bello, the university said Dr Kamal’s claims of breach of employment rights, defamation of character and denial of fair hearing were unfounded, adding that all actions taken against her followed due process.

The university explained that Dr Kamal was employed on May 25, 2018, as a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences. It said she was granted approval to proceed on a two-year study fellowship at Universiti Putra Malaysia under a self-sponsored arrangement with salary.

According to the statement, she executed a Study Fellowship Bond requiring her to return to the university and serve for a prescribed period after completing her programme.

FUD said it later approved an extension of her fellowship until November 10, 2022, but alleged that she failed to resume duty after the expiry of the approved period.

The university stated that, following a staff audit conducted in 2024, Dr Kamal was formally requested to return to duty. Instead, it said she sought suspension of the obligations arising from the study fellowship bond, a request that was declined.

The statement said the university subsequently initiated disciplinary proceedings in accordance with its Conditions of Service. It noted that a formal query was issued to Dr Kamal, to which she responded by stating that she remained in the United States awaiting residency documentation to pursue further professional training.

FUD said she was given additional opportunities to regularise her position, including appearances before an investigative committee via virtual sessions. The university maintained that she was advised to return to duty and pursue any further requests through the appropriate administrative channels.

The matter was later referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee (SSDC), which invited her on two occasions to present her defence, but she allegedly failed to honour the invitations.

The university said the committee recommended appropriate disciplinary action and directed the Bursary Department to compute the salaries paid to her during the relevant period, amounting to N16,375,817.

FUD also defended the publication in which Dr Kamal’s name appeared.
“The publication was neither arbitrary nor personal. It formed part of an official administrative process undertaken by the university in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities,” the statement said.

The university added that the publication was protected by the legal defences of justification and qualified privilege.

FUD noted that the dispute is currently before the Federal High Court and disclosed that it has filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

“In keeping with its longstanding respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the university will refrain from making further comments on matters that are pending before the court,” the statement added.

The institution reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, due process, accountability, staff development and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing its affairs.

DAILY POST reported that Dr Ramla had dragged the university before the Federal High Court in Dutse, challenging her dismissal from service and seeking N120 million in damages over alleged defamation and breach of her employment rights.