The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to immediately compute and pay all terminal benefits owed to the late Prof. Luke Uche, rejecting the institution’s claim that he owed over ₦25 million.
In a judgment delivered by Hon. Justice (Prof.) Elizabeth A. Oji, the court described the university’s refusal to release the late lecturer’s entitlements as unlawful, arbitrary, and high-handed. The court also awarded ₦2 million in legal costs to his widow, Mrs. Joyce Uche.
Prof. Uche, who died on October 6, 2015, joined UNILAG in 1982 and was promoted to the rank of Professor in 1996. He was suspended from service in 2001, after which the university allegedly declined to process or release his pensions, gratuities, and other entitlements, claiming—without evidence—that he was indebted to the institution to the tune of more than ₦25 million.
Justice Oji held that Prof. Uche’s suspension did not terminate his employment and that his estate was entitled to all accrued benefits. The court ruled that UNILAG failed to establish the existence of any valid debt owed by the late professor.
Speaking after the judgment, Mrs. Joyce Uche said the ruling had brought closure to a prolonged legal battle to secure her late husband’s rightful entitlements.
Counsel to Mrs. Uche, Mr. C.O.P. Emeka (SAN), argued before the court that Prof. Uche was never dismissed from service and that the university’s allegation of indebtedness was unsubstantiated and made in bad faith.
In its defence, UNILAG acknowledged that Prof. Uche was a staff member but claimed that he had outstanding salary overpayments, rent arrears, electricity bills, and liabilities arising from alleged damage to official quarters. The university further contended that the processing of his benefits was delayed due to incomplete clearance documentation, in line with the Public Service Rules.
However, after reviewing the evidence presented by both parties, Justice Oji ruled that UNILAG failed to provide any credible proof to support its claim of a ₦25 million debt.
The court consequently ordered the university to furnish Mrs. Uche with full details of her late husband’s entitlements and to ensure that all payments are made within 60 days.
