The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that it’s illegal for Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, to be promoted to a Professor by the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). 

Recall that in September 2021, Pantami, alongside seven academics were elevated by the council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri to the position of professorship at its 186th meeting.

This led to a controversy as many argued that the Minister is yet to achieve the necessary requirements to be awarded such. 

At a press conference addressed by the President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, on Monday February 14, it was stated that Pantami is not qualified to be a Professor and should not be treated as such. 

Osodeke said; 

“You cannot be a minister and a lecturer in a university. It is an encouragement of illegality.

“Pantami has to quit as a minister and be tried for doing double jobs within the same federal system. He is not qualified. Pantami should not be treated as a professor.”

The ASUU President also said FUTO Vice Chancellor and members of the union involved in Pantami’s promotion will be sanctioned. 

Osodeke added; 

“We have resolved to sanction ASUU members involved in his promotion and the VC of FUTO.”