Senator Ned Nwoko called to wade in urgently
By Austin Ogwuda
Crisis is looming at the new Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, in Delta State, Nigeria, over alleged lopsided employment by the School management.
The expose was made by The Pond, one of the leading online newspapers powered by a veteran Journalist, former Editor of The Pointer Newspaper, Julius Oweh, titled, ‘Apartheid in Kwale University?‘
It reads:
“Trouble and discontent is brewing at the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale over alleged employment by the vice chancellor Prof Abel Onunu.
“The VC is alleged to have employed 50 of his relatives in a school of total population of 300.
“He allegedly employed his wife as Deputy Director, Clinic, his sister in law as Deputy Registrar and his brother in law as Head of Academic Planning among others.
“If these allegations are proved to be correct, the Federal Ministry of Education should step in.
“The University was facilitated by Senator Ovie Omo Agege.
“In the employment of people in federal institutions, the principle of federal character is applied.
“The University is supposed to have a Governing Council which should oversee the affairs of the school.
“Senator Ned Nwoko and Honourable Charles Emetulu should look into the crisis and do the needful”.
*Similar alarm raised 6 months ago but swept under the carpet
Recall that sometime in August last year, a similar alarm was raised in connection with the alleged employment scam in the school.
A group known as ‘Concern Ndokwa Youths Nigeria’ at that time raised alarm over alleged job racketeering, nepotism, and unfair recruitment practices at the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, calling for immediate intervention by relevant government agencies.
According to Ndokwa Reporters, “In a strongly worded press statement dated August 1, 2025, and signed by its convener, Engr Jerry Ogwu, the group accused the University’s management of sidelining qualified indigenes of the host Ndokwa Nation in ongoing employment exercises. The youth body claimed that employment slots meant to empower local professionals were being monetized and diverted to politically connected individuals outside the region.
“The University was established not just for academic excellence but also as a source of opportunity and hope for the host community.
“It is therefore disheartening and grossly unacceptable that recruitment processes are shrouded in secrecy, with little or no regard for transparency, fairness, or due process”.
The group, according to the report further alleged that critical appointments and staffing decisions were made without consultation or inclusion of the local population, despite their peaceful disposition and support for the institution.
“Ndokwa people are not spectators in their own land. Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness or ignorance. We have it on good authority that the employment process has been compromised to favour external interests.
“They issued a four-point demand: a full-scale investigation by the Federal Ministry of Education and anti-corruption agencies; publication of all employment records since inception; a clear employment quota favouring host communities; and an end to all forms of marginalization and ethnic bias in the university’s administration.
“We are calling on our traditional rulers, political leaders, and all lovers of justice to rise and defend the future of our people,” they declared.
“The statement was co-signed by Hayfred Osele, Secretary, and Kingsley Chukwuemeke Ekeh, Publicity Secretary/Media Coordinator of Concern Ndokwa Youths Nigeria”, as reported by NdokwaReporters.
*Sources: The Pond, NdokwaReporters
