Court Asked to Remove UNIBEN VC, Install Real Winner of Selection Exam

A group of legal professionals under the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, over alleged irregularities in his appointment process. The suit also seeks an order compelling the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, to immediately install the highest-scoring candidate in the institution’s selection examination.

According to iReporter Online, ALDRAP is requesting the court to nullify the appointment on grounds that it violates extant laws, including the University of Benin’s regulations and the ICPC Act 2000. The group insists that Omoregie’s appointment is “null and void” as it allegedly disregarded merit and transparency. Court documents claim that Omoregie, who once served at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), ranked 23rd out of 25 candidates during the selection exam but was inexplicably chosen over more qualified candidates.

The association alleges that Omoregie overstayed his leave of absence from UNIBEN while at NILDS between 2014 and 2024, making him ineligible to contest for the Vice Chancellor position. Additionally, they accuse him of receiving double salaries from both institutions during that period, in breach of Section 19 of the ICPC Act.

According to iReporter Online, ALDRAP has submitted several petitions to the Minister of Education, the ICPC, and the House of Representatives Committee on University Education, demanding action over the alleged misconduct. These letters, attached as exhibits in the court filings, were reportedly ignored by the authorities, prompting the group to seek judicial intervention.

In an affidavit supporting the motion, Jesse Williams, ALDRAP’s Administrative Secretary, claimed that the selection process was not only fraudulent but rigged in favor of the least qualified contender. Williams said that their multiple letters to government institutions requesting documents related to the selection exam and scores were all denied.

According to iReporter Online, the legal group emphasized its public interest mandate to ensure compliance with legislative principles and ethical standards in public institutions. They argue that unless the court intervenes, the illegal appointment would persist unchallenged, despite evidence of serious violations.

The group also demanded that the ICPC investigate and prosecute Omoregie for the alleged infractions and abuse of office during his time at NILDS and UNIBEN. They believe only a decisive legal ruling can reverse what they describe as a blatant abuse of academic governance.

No court date has been scheduled for the hearing of the suit at this time.