The Management of the Federal University Dutse, FUD, has defended its decision to terminate the appointment of Dr. Ramla Muhammad Kamal, saying all actions taken were in line with the university’s Conditions of Service and a Study Fellowship Bond she signed in 2018.
In a press release issued by the Acting Director of Public Relations, Abdullahi Yahaya Bello, the university said it was responding to a media publication by Dr. Kamal, a former lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology, who alleged breach of employment rights, defamation, and denial of fair hearing.
According to the university, Dr. Kamal was employed on 25 May 2018 as a Lecturer in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
In 2020, the university approved her request for a two-year study fellowship at the University of Putra Malaysia for a master’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology under a self-sponsored arrangement with salary. The university noted that the approval was granted even though she had not completed the period ordinarily required for such privilege.
Before proceeding, Dr. Kamal signed a Study Fellowship Bond requiring her to return and serve the university for a prescribed period after completing the programme.
The university said it later approved an extension of her fellowship to 10 November 2022. However, she did not resume duty after the expiration.
Following a staff audit in 2024, she was asked to resume but instead requested a suspension of the bond obligations. The Head of Department informed her the request could not be approved.
The university said it issued a formal query to which she responded that she was in the United States awaiting residency documentation for further training in Clinical Pharmacology.
Dr. Kamal participated virtually twice before an Investigative Committee but did not return to the university as advised. The matter was then referred to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, SSDC, which invited her on two occasions. She did not appear.
The SSDC recommended to the Governing Council that salaries paid to her during the period, totaling ₦16,375,817.00, be computed. The Council also directed that relevant authorities, including the embassy of her country of residence, be notified.
The university said the publication bearing Dr. Kamal’s name was issued pursuant to decisions of its statutory authorities and was “neither arbitrary nor personal.” It added that the publication is protected by the legal defenses of justification and qualified privilege.
The university stated that the issues raised by Dr. Kamal are currently before the Federal High Court. It said it has entered appearance and filed a Preliminary Objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
“The University remains confident in the judicial process and will abide by the final decision of the Court,” the statement said, adding that it will refrain from further comments on matters pending before the court.
The university reiterated its commitment to fairness, due process, accountability, and staff development.
