By Ime Silas
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the management of Abia State University, Uturu, for lifting the suspension placed on Professor Nnamdi C. Nwaeze of the Department of Economics.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Dr. Stephen Nwala, and Secretary-General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, FOSAD described the decision as a significant step toward upholding fairness, due process, institutional dialogue and academic freedom in the university system.
According to the Forum, the move followed a written appeal by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University branch, ASUU-ABSU, and it allows Professor Nwaeze to resume his academic duties with immediate effect.
The suspension was lifted in a letter dated September 3, 2026, signed by the Acting Registrar of ABSU, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Nwankwo. The letter, FOSAD noted, made it clear that the action 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 views the distinction as critical to preserving both the integrity of institutional processes and the professional standing of academics.
“The lifting of the suspension does not necessarily pre-empt the outcome of the investigative process,” the Forum stated.
“Rather, it allows the affected academic to continue his professional responsibilities while the appropriate institutional process runs its course.”
The group applauded Governor Otti and the university authorities for choosing dialogue over prolonged punitive measures, arguing that disagreements within institutions of higher learning are better resolved through established administrative channels.
FOSAD, an organization of academic doctors from the South-East, said universities must remain spaces where intellectual freedom, professional dignity, academic responsibility and due process are protected. It stressed that beyond teaching and research, universities serve as hubs where ideas are debated, policies are questioned, and knowledge is produced for societal advancement.
“For that reason, the administration of universities must always strike an appropriate balance between institutional authority and the rights and responsibilities of members of the academic community,” the statement read.
The Forum said the decision by ABSU management contributes to building confidence among academics and strengthens the autonomy and credibility of higher education institutions in Abia State. It also noted that Governor Otti’s intervention reflects a broader commitment to creating room for dialogue in resolving disputes within the state’s education sector.
FOSAD used the opportunity to call on members of the academic community to promote responsible engagement, mutual respect and dialogue when addressing institutional disagreements. The group emphasized that academic freedom must go hand in hand with professional responsibility, just as institutional authority must be exercised with fairness, transparency and accountability.
Looking ahead, the Forum encouraged both the Abia State Government and ABSU management to sustain policies that support the welfare of academics, improve university infrastructure, protect intellectual freedom and enhance the overall quality of higher education in the state.
“As an organization committed to the advancement of the academic profession and the development of the South-East, FOSAD remains committed 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,” the statement concluded.
Professor Nwaeze teaches in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at ABSU. The university has not released details of the panel’s investigation, but management officials said proceedings are ongoing.
