Less than two years after opening its doors, Wigwe University has found itself at the centre of a growing labour controversy, with former employees accusing the institution of arbitrary dismissals, intimidation and administrative high-handedness—claims the university’s management has firmly denied.
The allegations come as the institution continues pursuing the vision of its late founder, Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States in February 2024, months before the university formally commenced academic activities.
Former University Librarian Dr. Nonyelum Okechukwu said she received a termination notice in August 2025 without appearing before any disciplinary panel or being given an opportunity to respond to allegations of misconduct.
She claimed the decision created uncertainty about her professional future and that an appeal to the university’s Board of Trustees did not receive a response.
Her experience mirrors accounts from several former academic and non-academic employees who alleged they either resigned or were dismissed amid what they described as a culture of fear within the institution.
Documents reviewed by Sunday PUNCH indicated that about 30 employees left the university during the period under review.
Former College Secretary Confidence Ihunwo alleged she was dismissed after leaving work early because of illness despite seeking permission, while a Zimbabwean lecturer claimed the university failed to honour an agreement to provide an annual return ticket before terminating his appointment.
A former deputy registrar also alleged he resigned after becoming frustrated by the working environment, while several anonymous employees claimed staff members worked under constant fear of losing their jobs.
The allegations have prompted calls for an independent investigation from civil society organisations and legal experts, who stressed that private universities must comply with Nigerian labour laws and due process in employment matters.
Responding to the allegations, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi denied personally dismissing any employee.
“I didn’t sack anybody,” he said.
According to the vice-chancellor, disciplinary actions follow established procedures involving committees and the university’s Governing Council, adding that the institution remains committed to maintaining high professional standards.
“There is a procedure for dismissing people. We don’t just sack people,” he said.
Al-Akaidi added that the university remains focused on realising Herbert Wigwe’s vision of building one of Africa’s leading universities.
The dispute has intensified scrutiny of governance and labour relations at one of Nigeria’s newest private universities as stakeholders await whether affected employees will pursue legal action.
