Vice Chancellor, Benue State University, Professor Joe Tor Iorapuu
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
The Governing Council of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM) formerly known as Benue State University has officially clarified that Vice Chancellor Professor Joe Tor Iorapuu is on annual leave, not suspended, as speculated on social media.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Bibiana Ayabam, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed that Professor Iorapuu has been granted his annual and overseas leave effective June 10, 2025, with the approval of the Governing Council.
“We kindly urge members of the university community and the general public to disregard any information not conveyed through the official channels or platforms of the institution,” the statement read.
*Acting VC Appointment*
During this period, Professor Simon Terver Ubwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), has been appointed as the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
“In accordance with university regulations, the Council has appointed Professor Simon Terver Ubwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), as the Acting Vice-Chancellor during this period,” the statement added.
*Allegations*
However, sources close to the university had alleged that Professor Iorapuu was facing serious allegations, including financial mismanagement.
The allegations included: Refusing to implement a 35% salary increment for senior lecturers and 25% for junior lecturers, despite funds being released by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Inflating the budget for the construction of the university’s Faculty of Engineering.
Increasing school fees, hostel accommodation fees, and selling admissions without the knowledge of the university’s visitor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and the Governing Council.
Other staff suspensions
There were also reports of the suspension of the Director of ICT, Terna Abdul, and the Bursar, Mr. Amos Egwurube, allegedly linked to a controversial incident involving repeated failures of the university’s online portal, which caused financial losses amounting to about N2 billion.
The university community had mixed reactions to the news, with some sources confirming the suspensions, while others believed Professor Iorapuu was simply proceeding on pre-retirement terminal leave.
However, the official statement clarified that the VC is on annual leave.
