The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, and the Management of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, for the decision to lift the suspension of Professor Nnamdi C. Nwaeze, a Professor in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences of the university.
FOSAD said it considered the decision an important step towards strengthening fairness, due process, institutional dialogue and academic freedom within the university system.
The Forum stated this in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary-General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi.
According to FOSAD, “We particularly commend the university authorities for responding positively to the written plea from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University branch (ASUU-ABSU), and for allowing Professor Nwaeze to resume his academic responsibilities with immediate effect.
“The Forum welcomes the decision as a demonstration that disagreements within institutions of higher learning can be addressed through established administrative and institutional mechanisms rather than through prolonged punitive measures.”
According to the letter signed by the Acting Registrar of Abia State University, Dr (Mrs.) Joy Nwankwo, dated September 3, 2026, the university management lifted Professor Nwaeze’s suspension following a written plea from ASUU-ABSU.
The letter, however, stated that the lifting of the suspension was without prejudice to the ongoing investigation by a panel constituted in respect of the matter, whose final report is still being awaited.
FOSAD said it considered this distinction important, saying, “The lifting of the suspension does not necessarily pre-empt the outcome of the investigative process. Rather, it allows the affected academic to continue his professional responsibilities while the appropriate institutional process runs its course.
“As an organisation committed to the advancement of the academic profession and the development of the South-East, FOSAD recognises that universities must remain environments where intellectual freedom, professional dignity, academic responsibility and due process are protected.
“Universities are not merely places for teaching and research; they are institutions where ideas are debated, policies are questioned and knowledge is produced for the advancement of society. Consequently, the administration of universities must always strike an appropriate balance between institutional authority and the rights and responsibilities of members of the academic community.”
FOSAD therefore appreciated the leadership of Governor Alex Otti and the university authorities for creating room for dialogue and institutional resolution in this matter, expressing the belief that such an approach contributes to building confidence among academics and strengthens the autonomy and credibility of higher education institutions in Abia State.
“We also call on the academic community to continue to promote responsible engagement, mutual respect and dialogue in addressing institutional disagreements. Academic freedom must be accompanied by professional responsibility, just as institutional authority must be exercised with fairness, transparency and accountability,” the Forum added.
FOSAD further encouraged the Abia State Government and the management of Abia State University “to continue supporting policies that promote the welfare of academics, strengthen university infrastructure, protect intellectual freedom and enhance the overall quality of higher education in the state.”
The Forum expressed commitment to defending the dignity of academics and promoting a South-East higher education system where disputes are resolved through dialogue, evidence, due process and respect for institutional procedures.
Signed:
Dr. Stephen Nwala
President
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Secretary-General
Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD)
