Nigerian lecturer, triumphs at Appeal Court two decades after unjust termination

[Anonymous]

A Nigerian lecturer named Inih Ebong won a case at the Court of Appeal in Calabar after being unfairly fired 20 years ago by the University of Uyo (UNIUYO). Back in 2002, Ebong, who worked as an associate professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Uyo, had his job terminated without proper reason. Before this happened, he had disagreements with the then vice-chancellor, Akpan Ekpo, and the registrar, Peter Effiong.

It seems that Ebong was disliked for consistently speaking out against what he believed was mismanagement and corruption at the school. After being fired, the university even published a disclaimer about him in national newspapers, likely to make it difficult for him to find another job. Without employment for many years, Ebong struggled to support himself and his family, and his health suffered. In October 2020, at the age of 73, he was diagnosed with heart failure, and a Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, came to his aid, covering his medical expenses.

In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal in Calabar, on July 21, 2023, rejected an appeal by UNIUYO against a previous judgment from the National Industrial Court. The earlier judgment had ordered the university to rehire Ebong and pay him N10 million in damages. Additionally, the court mandated the university to pay Ebong his overdue salaries and allowances.

Topic