The National Industrial Court sitting in Bauchi has dismissed a suit filed by Mr. Ubayo Juji against the Federal University Gashua and its Governing Council, challenging his dismissal over alleged concealment and suppression of employment records. In a judgment delivered by Justice Mustapha Tijjani, the court held that Juji failed to establish that his dismissal was unlawful, irregular, or carried out without due process and fair hearing.
The court ruled that the university acted within its regulatory framework following investigations that uncovered inconsistencies in Juji’s academic and employment records. These included allegations that he concealed material facts used in securing both his employment and subsequent promotion. Justice Tijjani held that the claimant was afforded fair hearing and, therefore, could not validly assert a breach of his rights, adding that the case lacked merit and was dismissed in its entirety.
Juji had sought declarations that his dismissal was unlawful, null, and void, and urged the court to set it aside. He also requested reinstatement to his position at the Federal University Gashua with full benefits, alongside the award of damages.
He contended that the disciplinary action did not comply with the conditions of service governing his statutory employment and maintained that he was denied fair hearing.
In response, the Federal University Gashua and its Governing Council informed the court that a verification exercise revealed discrepancies in Juji’s records. They cited correspondence from Bauchi State University and Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, which raised concerns regarding the authenticity of the academic credentials submitted by the claimant.
The university further argued that Juji provided misleading information that influenced his employment and promotion, urging the court to uphold the dismissal as it was conducted in accordance with the Regulations Governing the Conditions of Service for Senior Staff.
Delivering judgment, Justice Tijjani held that the claimant was given ample opportunity to respond to the allegations, having received a formal query, replied through his solicitors, and appeared before an investigative committee constituted by the university.
The court noted that Juji could not successfully claim denial of fair hearing after admitting that he appeared before the disciplinary panel and was allowed to present his case.
Justice Tijjani further observed that evidence before the court, including responses from Bauchi State University and Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, established inconsistencies in the claimant’s employment history and confirmed the concealment and suppression of material facts.
“The claimant therefore cannot claim denial of fair hearing, having been accorded all opportunities to be heard. Fair hearing simply means an opportunity to be heard,” the judge held.
“The claimant’s summary dismissal is upheld. His case is dismissed for lack of merit,” Justice Tijjani ruled.
