By Kelvin Ololo
The Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Obudu, has suspended its Provost, Dr. Richard Ugbaha Utubaku, over allegations of irregularities, misappropriation, and embezzlement.
The suspension, which followed growing concerns and threats of protest by the college’s joint unions, is to last for three months to allow for a thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against the provost.
Speaking to CrossRiverWatch in a telephone interview, a source within the union revealed that the protest was suspended on the condition that the suspended provost returns school properties and vehicles allegedly sold to himself.
The source stated, “Council said that we shouldn’t protest, that they are going to take up the fight on our behalf.
“They have actually since yesterday evening suspended him for three months so that he can give way for proper investigation. As a result of that step, we have decided to suspend our protest, giving the council a time frame of three days to ensure that the vehicles are returned.
“If they don’t return those vehicles in three days, we will proceed with our protest.”
In a document dated October 13, 2025, titled “Letter of Suspension and General Inefficiency” and signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr. Evans O. Iyenya, the Governing Council explained its decision to the suspended provost. The letter stated that “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 COEASU, SUUCOEN, NASU and the Director of Procurement for surreptitiously auctioning college unserviceable cars and other irregularities. 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.”
The letter further noted that “consequently, the 8th Governing Council, in its 5th Regular Meeting, directed that you proceed on a three months suspension at the first instance, with effect from October 14, 2025, pending the conclusion of investigation. You are hereby directed to hand over all college properties and official documents to the Deputy Provost to effect the suspension.”
Another source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that although academic activities not disrupted, the unions may still proceed with their protest if the alleged “kangaroo auctioning” of school property by the suspended provost is not properly addressed.
The development marks a significant step by the FCE Governing Council to restore accountability and confidence within the institution amid mounting pressure from staff and unions.
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