Dare Babalola
The Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, in Cross River State, has taken decisive action against its Provost, Dr. Ugbaha Utubaku, suspending him over allegations of maladministration and gross misconduct.
The suspension, which takes effect from October 14, 2025, is slated to last for three months pending the conclusion of a thorough investigation into the allegations.
According to a letter signed on Wednesday by the Registrar and Secretary of the Council, Evans Iyenya, with reference number FCE/OB/REG/CT-A/Vol.II/273, titled “LETTER OF SUSPENSION AND GENERAL INEFFICIENCY,” the suspension follows a series of petitions from the Deans of Schools, the three major staff unions in the College — the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN), and the Non-Academic Staff Union — as well as the Director of Procurement.
The petitions alleged that Dr. Utubaku auctioned the college’s unserviceable cars and other vehicles to cronies and family members without due process, violating the White Paper of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the report of the visiting panel into the affairs of the College (2011–2015). The letter stated:
“The 8th Governing Council is in receipt of allegations and series of complaints against you from Deans of Schools, the three Unions in the College; Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Senior Staff Union in Colleges Of Education Nigeria (SSUCOEN), Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Director of Procurement for surreptitiously auctioning of college unserviceable cars and other irregularities vehicles. This is in violation of the White Paper of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the report of the visiting panel into the affairs of the College 2011–2015.”
In addition to the allegations of maladministration, Dr. Utubaku is also accused of insensitivity to staff welfare, high-handedness, and lack of transparency in managing college affairs. The Governing Council assured stakeholders that the decision was made in the institution’s best interest to ensure accountability and restore confidence in its leadership structure.
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union has also given Dr. Utubaku until October 14, 2025, to return the auctioned vehicles or face industrial action. As the investigation unfolds, the college community and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this situation develops.
