The National Industrial Court sitting in Calabar has ordered the reinstatement of Professor Austin Angba as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
In a landmark judgment delivered in Suit No. NICN/CA/34/2024, the presiding judge ruled that Professor Angba’s suspension by the university’s governing council on May 6, 2024, was in violation of the provisions of the Act establishing UNICROSS. The court, therefore, directed his immediate reinstatement.
This ruling brings an end to months of uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the institution. The judgment is expected to have significant implications for the university’s administration and governance.
It will be recalled that Prof. Angba was controversially removed from office on May 6, 2024, under circumstances that many stakeholders described as unjust. His removal sparked debates within the academic community, with calls for due process to be followed in the management of the institution’s affairs.
With the court’s verdict now in his favour, the university’s governing council and the Cross River State Government regarding the next steps in implementing the judgment.
