By our Correspondent
A storm is brewing at the University of Uyo’s Faculty of Pharmacy as a leaked conversation between two senior professors reveals an internal crisis that could shake the foundation of the institution’s academic integrity. At the center of the controversy is the Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, who stands accused of pressuring the Faculty to induct students who have not completed their full curriculum, allegedly for personal financial gain.
The revelation came from a heated WhatsApp exchange between the Dean of Pharmacy, Prof. Emmanuel Attih, and a concerned colleague, both of whom are respected academics with decades of experience. The conversation exposes a bitter rift between faculty leadership over the integrity of the University’s academic process and raises serious questions about administrative interference and ethical compromise.
“My project student almost collapsed on Wednesday coming back to the Lab after returning from the clinic… It is ethical, justifiable and defendable when we complete our lectures July 11, 2025 as approved by Senate,” wrote one professor, who criticized the push to begin exams prematurely and induct students without completing coursework.
The message, addressed respectfully to the Dean, warned of the health risks and academic dishonesty involved in proceeding with exams and induction against the Senate’s approved timeline.
However, the response from Prof. Attih, the current Dean, was far from conciliatory.
“Tell [the VC] also that the faculty had taken a decision to follow the university’s directive… I wonder if your ambition will not destroy the faculty that we all have worked so hard to build,” he replied, accusing his colleague of political ambition and attempting to sow division within the faculty.
More troubling was the suggestion that all Heads of Departments had silently assented to the Vice Chancellor’s plan during a meeting held on June 3rd, without raising any objection—an act critics within the faculty now see as tacit approval of academic malpractice.
In a separate message, the professor, clearly stunned by the tone of the response, reiterated his concerns with calm resolve:
“I just made my stand known, Sir, as a concerned Professor and a bonafide staff of the University of Uyo.”
Allegations of Corruption and Exploitation
A senior staff member who requested anonymity revealed to this reporter that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, is allegedly pushing for the induction ceremony in June 2025 “to collect money from the inductees” and “siphon funds from the university through that subhead.”
“What we’re seeing is a deliberate manipulation of academic processes. The students are not ready. They haven’t completed the required lab sessions or theoretical modules. Yet, the VC wants to induct them and declare them fit to practice. It’s unethical and dangerous,” the source said.
According to University of Uyo Senate guidelines, Pharmacy students—particularly in Years 3 to 5—are required to complete rigorous coursework, practicals, and evaluations before they can qualify for induction into the profession. But under pressure from the administration, those academic safeguards are allegedly being dismantled.
One of the most serious implications of this scandal is that unprepared pharmacists could be unleashed into the Nigerian healthcare system—a move that threatens public health and the university’s accreditation status.
Division and Fear Within the Faculty
The leak also reveals deep internal strife. Accusations of “desperation” and “ambition” fly as the Dean defends his alignment with the Vice Chancellor, while refusing to address concerns over the welfare of students and staff. The professor, in contrast, maintains his professional duty to uphold ethical academic standards.
“It is only God that gives power or crowns. I am still the Dean for now… Let me go in peace,” wrote Prof. Attih, in what many interpret as an admission of mounting pressure and possible complicity.
This is not the first time the administration under Prof. Ndaeyo has come under fire for alleged financial irregularities. However, this latest episode—implicating the academic future and health of Pharmacy students—could be the most damaging.
Silence from University Administration
When contacted, the University’s Public Relations Officer declined to comment, stating that the matter was “purely internal” and would be addressed “through appropriate channels.” Attempts to reach Prof. Ndaeyo for direct comment were unsuccessful.
A Call for Accountability
As calls grow for the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other oversight bodies to investigate, stakeholders say this incident must not be swept under the carpet.
“This isn’t just about internal faculty politics,” said a member of the Senate Committee on Education when briefed on the development. “It’s about the credibility of a whole profession and the safety of the Nigerian public.”
If allowed to proceed unchecked, this crisis at the University of Uyo could set a dangerous precedent: one in which corruption trumps curriculum, and half-trained professionals are passed off as qualified experts. The academic community—and the nation at large—deserve better.
