ASUU Declares Isa Pantami’s Professorship Illegal; FUTO VC, Others To Be Sanctioned

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stated that the Federal University of Technology Owerri’s promotion of Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, to Professor is illegal (FUTO).

Recall that in September 2021, Pantami, alongside seven academics were elevated by the council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri to the position of professorship at its 186th meeting.

This sparked a debate, with many claiming that the Minister has yet to meet the standards for such an honor.

Pantami is not qualified to be a professor and should not be considered as one, according to ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, who spoke at a news conference on Monday, February 14.

Osodeke said, “You cannot be a minister and a lecturer in a university. It is an encouragement of illegality.

“Pantami has to quit as a minister and be tried for doing double jobs within the same federal system. He is not qualified. Pantami should not be treated as a professor.”

The ASUU President further stated that the FUTO Vice Chancellor and union members that took part in Pantami’s promotion would face sanctions.

“We have resolved to sanction ASUU members involved in his promotion, as well as the VC of FUTO,” Osodeke said.