Pantami’s Appointment As Professor Conditions Him To Teach, Research — FUTO

*As minister is yet to resume months later

The newly appointed professor of Cybersecurity in the Department of Information and Communication Technology of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim is yet to resume his duties in the institution almost six months after his appointment.

Dr Ibrahim, the current Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, whose appointment took effect from March 19th, 2021 has neither taught nor carried out any research as part of the conditions attached to his appointment as professor.

The letter of his appointment duly signed by the Registrar of FUTO, Mr John Nnabuihe, stated that Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim was placed on consolidated University academic salary structure CONUASS II 7 step of N5,249,996,00 per annum, which would have an upward review on 1st October 2021 provided he had served at least six months by that date.

The letter also stated that Dr Ibrahim by his appointment would be entitled to annual leave, adding there is no leave grant payable.

The authorities of the university by the letter said that the commencement and termination of the appointment would be governed by the provision of chapter 2 of the regulations governing the condition of appointment of senior staff.

The university said that the appointment of Dr Ibrahim “is subject to the provision of FUTO and Technology Acct. Cap. F 23, volume 7 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and also to the regulation governing the condition of appointment of senior staff made by the Governing Council from time to time”.

In his letter of acceptance of the appointment by the institution dated 30th March 2021, and forwarded to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ibrahim promised to serve voluntarily without receiving any payment until further notice.

Dr Ibrahim in his letter promised to assume duty the next day being the 31st March 2021.

According to him, his decision is sequel to his briefing to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Friday, 26th March 2021, and his permission for him to go ahead and share his knowledge and experience in academia, which according to him, “is a form of community service to the citizens.”

Pantami’s appointment as professor conditions him to teach, research.