A former Principal Assistant Registrar of Ajayi Crowther University has dragged the institution before the National Industrial Court sitting in Ibadan, challenging the termination of her appointment over alleged violations of due process and fair hearing.
The claimant, in suit number NICN/IB/16/2026, is seeking several declaratory and consequential reliefs, including an order nullifying her dismissal on grounds that the disciplinary process leading to her disengagement allegedly breached the university’s Conditions of Service and established disciplinary procedures.
According to court documents, the former staff member argued that her disengagement, conveyed through administrative correspondences culminating in a termination letter dated February 10, 2026, stemmed from allegations of misconduct which were not proven in line with due process.
She also challenged her suspension, which was reportedly imposed on half salary in November 2025 and later extended indefinitely, describing the action as arbitrary and contrary to the institution’s regulations governing senior staff discipline.
The claimant stated that she joined the university on November 1, 2007, as Secretary I, was confirmed in 2010 and later rose through the administrative cadre to become Principal Assistant Registrar in 2021.
She maintained that her service record remained unblemished throughout her 19 years with the institution and cited several commendations allegedly issued to her between 2021 and 2024.
The dispute, according to the court filings, originated from events in September 2025 involving MBA clearance documentation.
The claimant alleged that after declining what she described as an irregular request, she became the subject of allegations bordering on financial impropriety involving an alleged N3,000 collected from students.
She denied the allegation and contended that the disciplinary query issued against her was procedurally defective and inconsistent with the university’s regulations.
Central to her claims is the allegation that the disciplinary proceedings violated her right to fair hearing as she was allegedly denied adequate opportunity to confront her accuser and challenge the allegations brought against her.
She further argued that the investigative panel set up by the university was improperly constituted and lacked the statutory representation required under the institution’s governing regulations, thereby rendering its findings invalid.
The claimant also accused the institution of administrative irregularities, including inconsistencies in official correspondence and failure to comply with prescribed disciplinary timelines and procedures.
Among the reliefs sought before the court are a declaration that her dismissal was wrongful, unlawful and void; reinstatement with full salaries, allowances and benefits up to retirement age; and payment of accrued entitlements, including compensation for 155 days of unused leave.
She is also seeking N19,979,958.60 as special damages representing projected salaries and allowances up to retirement age, alongside N10 million in general damages for alleged reputational harm, humiliation and loss of professional standing.
An order directing the university to issue a formal written apology was also sought.
The claimant is relying on several documents before the court, including appointment and promotion letters, disciplinary correspondences, salary records, internal memos, WhatsApp communications, and the university’s Conditions of Service.
The court directed the defendant to enter appearance within 14 days of being served the originating processes, failing which the matter may proceed undefended.
When the matter came up for mention on Tuesday, counsel to the claimant, Barrister L.O. Adedigba, who appeared for Barrister O.K. Abimbola, informed the court that the defendant had yet to file a response.
Justice J.D. Peters subsequently adjourned the matter till June 10, 2026, for hearing.
