Court of Appeal Affirms Victory for Unjustly Sacked UniUyo Lecturer After 22-Year Legal Battle
The Court of Appeal in Calabar, Cross River State, has dismissed an appeal by the University of Uyo (UniUyo) seeking to stay the execution of a 2020 ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
The earlier ruling ordered the reinstatement of Dr Inih Ebong, a lecturer unjustly sacked over 22 years ago, alongside full payment of his entitlements and damages.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday, effectively closes the decades-long battle between Dr Ebong and the university.
The appellate court’s decision upheld justice for the 73-year-old lecturer, whose wrongful dismissal had thrust him into years of hardship and health challenges.
Dr Ebong’s lawyer, Nse William, expressed profound relief at the outcome. “It’s all over. Everything is over,” he told PREMIUM TIMES, adding, “We give glory to God. Wherever there’s a wrong, there’s always a remedy.”
Dr Ebong, formerly an associate professor in the Department of Theatre Arts at UniUyo, was dismissed in 2002 over allegations of abandoning his post.
The university’s claims were later revealed to be unfounded, with many attributing his sacking to his outspoken criticism of corruption and maladministration within the institution.
Speaking to reporters after the judgement, Dr Ebong was jubilant. “I feel very happy,” he said. “The road is now as clear as the Apian Way for me to enforce that judgement. Whether the vice-chancellor likes it or not, he must pay that money. It is his karma.”
The lecturer expressed gratitude to Nigerians who supported him throughout his ordeal.
He specifically acknowledged Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, who funded his medical treatment, and human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, for standing by him during his struggles.
Dr Ebong’s wife, Uduak, also shared her joy. “It has been so long,” she said, recounting how the battle began shortly after the birth of their first daughter, who is now 21 and in university. “Our kids have been our great supporters,” she added.
Uduak recalled how, days before the judgement, a former university mate of her husband unexpectedly sent them N20,000 for the lawyer’s transport to court. “We have been so blessed to receive support from kind Nigerians,” she said.
Dr Ebong’s legal triumph is not his first. Since his dismissal, he has won multiple cases against UniUyo, culminating in the National Industrial Court’s 2020 ruling.
Justice M. A. Namtari had declared the termination of Dr Ebong’s appointment “malicious, ultra vires, and unlawful.”
The court ordered the university to:
Withdraw the termination letter and reinstate Dr Ebong.
Pay all salaries, allowances, and entitlements accrued since 2001.
Provide compensation for sabbatical leaves missed due to the wrongful termination.
Pay N10 million in damages.
Despite the ruling, UniUyo repeatedly appealed, filing three separate applications at the Court of Appeal.
With the dismissal of the final appeal, the university is now legally bound to comply with the judgement.
Dr Ebong’s wrongful dismissal plunged his family into financial and emotional distress.
Diagnosed with cardiac failure in 2020, he struggled to afford treatment until Mr Otedola’s intervention.
The lecturer’s resistance to corruption at UniUyo made him a target, with the university’s management, under then Vice-Chancellor Akpan Ekpo and Registrar Peter Effiong, allegedly orchestrating his removal.
An investigative report by PREMIUM TIMES in October revealed how the university smeared Dr Ebong with baseless allegations of sexual misconduct, further damaging his career and reputation.
With the appellate court’s judgement, the legal road has finally ended.
The focus now shifts to UniUyo’s compliance with the ruling, as observers hope the institution will finally restore Dr Ebong’s dignity and fulfil its obligations.
