By Desire Emmanuel
The National Industrial Court has dismissed a case brought by a dismissed employee of a university against the institution over his dismissal after he was found to have used alleged fake certificates to get the employment.
Justice Mustapha Tijjani of the Bauchi division of the court dismissed the suit filed by the employee, Ubayo Juji, against Federal University, Gashua and its Governing Council, challenging his dismissal from service.
The judge held that Juji failed to establish that his dismissal by the university was unlawful, irregular, or in breach of fair hearing and due process.
According to court documents, Juji came to court to seek declarations that his dismissal from the service of the university was unlawful, null and void, alongside orders setting aside the dismissal, reinstating him with full benefits and payment of damages.
He also told the court that his dismissal was not in compliance with the conditions of service regulating his statutory employment and argued that he was not accorded a fair hearing before the dismissal.
In defence however, the Federal University, Gashua and its Governing Council contended that following verification of Mr. Juji’s employment records, it was discovered from correspondence received from Bauchi State University and Federal Polytechnic Bauchi that he presented questionable academic records.
The institution and its Governing Council further maintained that the information supplied by Juji, particularly documents relating to his promotion and employment status, misled the university into employing him.
They therefore uurged the court to uphold the dismissal of Juji, arguing that the dismissal was in line with the Regulations Governing the Conditions of Service of Senior Staff of the university.
Delivering judgment, Justice Tijjani held that Mr. Juji was afforded sufficient opportunity to defend the allegations made against him, having been issued a request for explanation, responded through his solicitors, and also appeared before the investigative committee constituted by the Federal University Gashua and its Governing Council.
He held that Mr. Juji could not successfully contend denial of a fair hearing after admitting that he appeared before the disciplinary committee and was allowed to state his position regarding the allegations against him.
Justice Tijjani contended that evidence before the court, including responses from Bauchi State University and Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, revealed inconsistencies in the man’s employment history and sufficiently established concealment and suppression of material facts used in securing employment and promotion with Federal University, Gashua.
“The claimant’s summary dismissal is upheld and his case is entirely dismissed due to its lack of merit. Judgment is entered accordingly.” Justice Tijjani ruled.
