Nigerian lecturer finally gets justice 20 years after he was wrongfully dismissed
Inih Ebong, a Nigerian lecturer who has been entangled in a legal dispute for more than two decades regarding the unjust termination of his employment, has emerged victorious at the Court of Appeal in Calabar against the University of Uyo.
Mr. Ebong, facing health challenges as he was diagnosed with cardiac failure in October 2020, was on the brink of succumbing to his ailment until Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola intervened, covering the costs of his medical treatment.
Having been unemployed for an extended period, Mr. Ebong struggled to provide for himself and his family, let alone afford the necessary medical care.
To exacerbate his difficulties, the University of Uyo issued a disclaimer about him in certain national newspapers shortly after his dismissal in 2002, seemingly to dissuade potential employers from considering him.
On July 21, 2023, the Court of Appeal in Calabar rejected the appeal submitted by the University of Uyo, challenging the January 2020 ruling of the National Industrial Court.
The earlier decision had mandated the university to reinstate Mr. Ebong and award him N10 million in damages, along with his outstanding salaries and allowances.
The University of Uyo, which lodged the appeal in 2022, sought an extension of time to file the appeal against the industrial court’s judgment.
In a previous instance in 2022, the Court of Appeal had dismissed the university’s appeal because it withdrew it, acknowledging that it failed to obtain the necessary approval from the appellate court before filing the appeal, as mandated by law.
In addition to Mr. Barka, the panel included Justices Balkisu Aliyu and Folasade Ojo. Fidelis Iteshi served as the legal representative for the University of Uyo during the proceedings, while Nse Williams represented the lecturer, Mr. Ebong.
Mr. Ebong, who held the position of associate professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Uyo, experienced the unlawful termination of his appointment in 2002.
At that time, Akpan Ekpo served as the vice-chancellor, and Peter Effiong held the position of registrar at the institution.
Despite a series of legal victories, four consecutive vice-chancellors of the university have consistently declined to reinstate him, prolonging the legal battle over his termination.
Before his dismissal, Mr. Ebong found himself in a continuous conflict with Messrs. Ekpo and Effiong, who perceived him as a persistent critic, regularly speaking out against purported maladministration and corruption within the University.
This stance seemingly made him a source of discomfort for the two officials.
The 73-year-old lecturer, burdened by the challenges of hardship, illness, and emotional distress, appeared weary of continuing the legal battle against the University of Uyo.
Seeking a resolution, he attempted to engage in peaceful negotiations with the school by writing two letters to the university authorities, but unfortunately, they rejected his overtures.
Nigerian lecturer finally gets justice 20 years after he was wrongfully dismissed